2025 Declared the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology by the United Nations

2025 Declared the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology by the United Nations

The United Nations has officially designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). This global initiative aims to highlight the transformative potential of quantum science and its impact on society. The year-long celebration kicked off with an opening ceremony on 4 February at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, marking the beginning of approximately 100 planned events worldwide.

Enrica Porcari, Head of CERN’s Information Technology department, attended the opening ceremony and emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about quantum science. She stated, “What matters is how much the planned initiatives will move the needle towards a broader public awareness about the profound implications that quantum science and technology already have and, most importantly, will soon have on society.”

CERN is playing a pivotal role in this global initiative through its Open Quantum Institute (OQI), which is a key partner in the IYQ. The OQI will coordinate several major events in and around Geneva throughout the year, furthering the mission to educate and engage the public on quantum advancements.

Quantum science is also the central theme for CERN’s 2025 public events season, hosted at the CERN Science Gateway. These events are supported by the CERN & Society Foundation, which works to promote science and its societal benefits.

The season begins with “De Temps en Temps” on 11 February, coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This event, featuring physicist Yasmine Amhis from the LHCb experiment and the DoniSSi string quartet, will explore the fascinating concept of time from both scientific and artistic perspectives. Attendees will delve into the mysteries of time in all its dimensions, offering a unique blend of science and culture.

To learn more about the event and register, visit: https://indico.cern.ch/e/detempsentemps. For the full program of CERN’s 2025 public events, check out: https://visit.cern/events.

Credits:

  • Content adapted from the original announcement by CERN.
  • Quotes and statements attributed to Enrica Porcari, Head of CERN’s IT department.
  • Event details and registration links provided by CERN’s official platforms.

This blog post highlights the significance of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, CERN’s involvement, and the exciting events planned for 2025. It aims to inspire curiosity and engagement with quantum science, a field poised to shape the future of technology and society.