Quantum science, once regarded as a domain of seemingly irrational concepts, has now become fundamental to various fields such as physics, engineering, and biology. With the recent declaration by the United Nations of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the spotlight is on celebrating the contributions of quantum science to technological progress and raising awareness of its importance to sustainable development.
At CERN, the world’s largest particle physics lab, quantum theories governing the microscopic world have been a focus for the past seven decades. Taking it a step further, CERN has delved into the rapidly growing domain of quantum technologies. Sofia Vallecorsa, the coordinator of the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI), highlights the recent advancements, stating, “In recent years, we have learned not just to use the properties of the quantum world but also to control them. Today, the revolution is all about controlling individual quantum systems, such as single atoms or ions, enabling even more powerful applications.”
CERN’s exploration of quantum technologies is pursued through two key initiatives: the QTI, which aims to enable technologies for high-energy physics activities, and the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), established to support the development of future societal applications benefiting from quantum computing algorithms.
Quantum computing, a promising field, differs from conventional computing with its use of qubits that exist in superpositions of states, allowing for simultaneous processing of a vast number of computations. This has significant applications in fields such as cryptography, logistics, process optimization, and drug discovery. Another area of development in quantum communication leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to make information interception impossible without detection. Additionally, quantum sensing holds potential for ultra-precise measurements of physical quantities, with applications spanning across medicine, navigation, and climate science.
Tim Smith, the coordinator of OQI at CERN, emphasizes the tremendous potential of quantum science, stating, “What started 100 years ago as a purely theoretical physics investigation is now beginning to unleash its full potential. The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the past, present, and future of our understanding of the quantum world.”
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology serves as a platform to acknowledge the strides made in quantum science, its profound impact on technology, and its potential for shaping the future. It is a moment to look back on the groundbreaking work of visionary physicists and to anticipate the groundbreaking developments that lie ahead in the field of quantum science and technology.