International Year of Quantum Science and Technology IYQ 2025: Activities in Switzerland
Introduction
The years 1920 - 1930 are regarded as an important decade in modern physics, in which every year epoch-making discoveries in quantum physics occurred. This prompted UNESCO to proclaim 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025).
This page summarizes some of the activities related to the IYQ 2025, which SPS either organized or was involved during 2024 and 2025, and a collection from various institutes in Switzerland. This includes symposia, exhibitions, schools, seminars and conferences.
The SPS adhered to the EPS statement on 'Europe and the future of Quantum Science'.
In the 100 years since its discovery, the findings of quantum physics have penetrated almost all other areas of science and technology, explicitly based on atomic principles, such as biology, chemistry, pharmacy and medicine. The abandonment of the predictability of processes and the associated paradigm shifts in causality, which is typical of quantum physics, is also reflected in social philosophical questions. The SPS focal point is how quantum technologies will shape our future and economic prosperity, and didactic activities to stimulate young people's interest in modern physics, and science in general.
Activities of the SPS
| Historical Symposia | |
|---|---|
Symposium 100 Years of Quantum Physics | Satellite event of the Joint Annual Meeting of SPS and ÖPG in Vienna, 18 August 2025 |
Symposium Louis de Broglie: 100 Years of Wave-Particles Duality | Satellite event of the SPS Annual Meeting in Zürich, 09 September 2024 |
Communications, Journals, Other Events | |
|---|---|
SPS Focus No. 3: Progress in Classical High Performance, Neuromorphic and Quantum Computing | Editors: B. Braunecker, V. Bragaglia, G. Salis |
| Zürich und die Geburt der Quantenmechanik | Article by Irina Morell in the SPG Mitteilungen Nr. 75 |
Quantum concept and its reception in modern arts Looking back in history, it is striking that in the years from 1900 to 1920 there were not only many thought-provoking impulses in physics, which then led to the formulation of modern quantum physics from 1920 onwards, but that the questioning of classical structures and the associated unrest can also be found in philosophy, literature and music. Was there a connection, possibly linked to a person, a group of people, a school? In this Editorial, we turn our attention to what was happening in Vienna at the time. | Editorial by Bernhard Braunecker in the SPG Mitteilungen Nr. 75 |
Women in Physics: Portraits on Women in Quantum Science in 2025 Available on Youtube, Instagram and Linkedin | Edited by SPS DEI, SQI, and SCNAT |
Sparks!, "Life in quantum cities". Some keywords: Stand at the entrance: Lumière sur la physique quantique ! Grâce aux expériences interactives du Physiscope, explorez le monde fascinant de la physique quantique et percez les mystères des propriétés quantiques des atomes et de la matière. Expériences : lampes spectrales – chat biréfringent – jeu de cartes (HôP on the concept of quantum state, les Atoberries on the periodical table) | Auditorium Marchionne of the CERN Science Gateway, Geneva, 19.06.2025 Sponsored by SPS and Physiscope, UniGe (Teresa Montaruli, Céline Lichtensteiger) |
Activities of other Institutes and Organisations
Activities organized by other Swiss institutes are collected in dedicated webpages. The following list is not exhaustive. If you would like to make additions, please contact us.
Schools & Education | |
|---|---|
12 - 17 January 2025, Saas-Fee | |
16 - 20 June 2025, ETHZ | |
21 - 25 July 2025, Uni Zürich | |
A Future with Quantum Computing | 5th DSI Strategy Lab, Organisers T. Neupert, M. Christen, L. del Rio, N. Nurgalieva |
Quantum Interactions - A High School Science Communication Offer on Modern Quantum Science and Technology | SNF Agora project; Organisers: N. Brunner, A. Baas, A. Müller, Uni Genève |
Making Quantum Physics accessible: A Compendium and Symposium for High School Physics Teaching | Swiss Quantum Initiative project; Organisers: A. Baas, A. Müller, Uni Genève |
Cafés de l’UniGe "on Quantum Physics" | Some researchers from UniGe meet students in the 'collèges' of Geneva to discuss with them about specific topics requested through a webpage for booking such visits. |
Workshops, Conferences, Lectures | |
|---|---|
29 - 31 January 2025, Arosa The event is co-organized by the ETHZ Quantum Center, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE), the Geneva Quantum Centre (GQC), the Based Quantum Center (BQC), and NCCR SPIN | |
20 - 24 June 2026, CERN | |
Diversity of Sensing Architectures for New Physics and Real-World Applications | 13 - 18 July 2025, Le Diableret Conference Centre Undergraduates or those who have not obtained a bachelor's degree in science/engineering (or acceptable equivalent) are not eligible to apply to attend Gordon Research Conferences or Seminars. |
13 - 17 October 2025 The goal of the week is to build bridges and grow the Swiss and global quantum ecosystem as part of the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025. During the week, multiple events connected to quantum science for the university students, companies, policymakers (QDys, SwissNex meeting, Gesda Summit) take part in Geneva. | |
| 25 January 2025, Universität Basel | |
18 February 2025, Université de Genève Opening lecture of Prof. Nicolas Brunner |
Symposia, Training days with companies | |
Quantum Horizons | 16 May 2025, 15:00-18:30, Keynote speaker: R. Renner, Universität Zürich This event brings together researchers, industry representatives, policymakers, philanthropists, and many more to explore how quantum advancements could shape our future. Contact (Chairs): Isabelle Philip and Warwick Bowen. |
27 June 2025, 16:00-18:00, Universität Zürich, public symposium Speakers: Domenico Giulini (Leibnitz Uni.), Renato Renner (ETHZ), Wenchao Xu (ETHZ), Andreas Fuhrer (IBM) Main Themes and Goals: This symposium illustrates the status of the art of quantum science targeting the large public. | |
| 30 September 2025, 14:00-18:00, Zürich | |
Geneva Previous editions are retrievable here. |
Exhibitions and Grand-public Events | |
Université de Genève The Physiscope will perform all over 2025 newly developed modules on quantum science. | |
Quantum Exhibition | May-December 2025, Universität Zürich Target attendants = 10'000 people Main Themes and Goals: this exhibition concerns mainly the documents written by Schrödinger during the years spent in Zürich. Being an event on quantum science in Switzerland it is inherent to the goals of SQC. Contact: |
Exposition - La quantique décodée | 25 June - 20 August 2025, Musée d’Histoire des Sciences - La Perle du Lac - Genève Organisers: Geneva Quantum Centre, UniGe, ID Quantique, with La Physique Autrement, Uni-Paris-Saclay, CNRS, La physique quantique a bouleversé notre compréhension du monde et est à l’origine de nombreuses technologies que nous utilisons au quotidien. Dans le cadre de l’Année Internationale des Sciences et Technologies Quantiques décrétée par l’UNESCO, cette exposition vous plonge dans cet univers fascinant à travers quelques panneaux didactiques sur des concepts clés à l’intérieur du Musée et au travers des recherches de pointe menées à l’Université de Genève, exposées sous forme d’affiches le long du lac. |
17 May 2025, Université de Genève (organised by the Geneva Quantum Centre)
| |
Science Pavillon, Universität Zürich Quantum mechanics has evolved from theory to technology, driving advances in sensing, communication, and computing. However, public understanding remains limited due to complex language and misleading media coverage. To bridge this gap, the University of Zurich launches an immersive escape room where participants can learn quantum physics through direct interaction and experimentation. This interactive experience will engage diverse audiences, celebrate underrepresented pioneers, and inspire a new generation to see physics as accessible to all. Contact: | |
Super Quantum! Explore quantum physics through cartoons. | 9 March 2025, 20:00 - 21:30, CERN Science Gateway Auditorium Speakers:
|
14 - 18 May, CERN | |
20 March 2025, CERN Commedie Quantique | |
11 Feb. 2025 CERN Concert by Yasmine Amhis and her quartet. |
