Event
Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
Quantum science and technology stand at the heart of the 21st century's most groundbreaking innovations, touching every aspect of modern science and technology. From physics and chemistry to biology and information science, quantum research drives discoveries that shape our understanding of the universe — from the tiniest building blocks of matter to the vast structure of the cosmos. It holds immense potential to address the most pressing challenges facing society today. In the coming years, its applications are expected to drive transformative advances in environmental sensing, public health, and climate change mitigation.
Advancing Quantum Science and Technology for Global Progress
Through its mandate on basic sciences, UNESCO is uniquely positioned to raise awareness of the critical role quantum science plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving living standards, particularly in the developing world. Aware of the widening gap between the global north and south in quantum research and innovation, UNESCO is dedicated to promoting greater equity in this transformative field. This international celebration aims to inspire young people, especially women from developing countries, to pursue education and careers in quantum science, building the essential capacities needed for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
About the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ)
Recognising the need to provide a unique platform to foster international collaboration, with a particular focus on capacity building in the Global South, promoting gender equality in STEM and addressing the emerging quantum divide, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 7 June 2024 proclaimed 2025 as the " under the auspices of UNESCO.
As the lead agency for IYQ, UNESCO, along with its partners, is organising the opening ceremony and preparing for the year’s activities. These events will emphasise the significance of quantum science, foster international and interdisciplinary cooperation, and focus on sustainable development applications, featuring inspiring keynote addresses, engaging panel discussions, and cultural performances to celebrate this milestone in science and technology.
Registration
Take part in the opening ceremony and join us in engaging with quantum science and technology education and celebration throughout 2025
Opening Ceremony
UNESCO, together with its partners and key stakeholders, is gathering to launch the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), with an opening ceremony to take place on 4-5 February 2025 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. As UNESCO aims to raise the collective awareness of the transformative potential of quantum science and technology to address critical global challenges. This launch will also serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, allowing participants to showcase best practices in quantum science education, research and industrial applications. It will provide an opportunity to inspire interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration and to address the global North-South divide while promoting inclusive innovation. The opening ceremony will also highlight the importance of placing ethics and responsible innovation at the heart of discussions.
Live Webcast
Please note that the agenda is subject to change.
Exhibition
An exhibition will run alongside the event to celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Visitors can explore cutting-edge displays that showcase quantum science breakthroughs, innovative applications, and future possibilities. This interactive experience is designed to engage audiences and inspire a deeper appreciation for quantum technologies. The exhibition will be held in Salle des Actes and Salle des Pas Perdus from 4–5 February 2025 and is open throughout the day for all attendees to visit.
Artworks of the exhibition
By Samuel Kolibaba, Oliver Musch, Tra My Doan, Astrid Pittschmann, Diana Karaybida, Pazmino Betancourt Nicole, Viktoria Schreider, Ebru Mecek, Jessica Uhl, Benjamin Heitz, Oliver Vauderwange, Dan Curticapean, Students and staff of the Offenburg – University of Applied Sciences.
Description: the artwork consists of an immersive experience in The Matrix movies or in a “Quantum World” where time appears to freeze while the camera “moves” around the visitors.
By Hermínia Ribeiro and the team, Portuguese Quantum Institute.
Description: the artwork revolves around quantum Cities.
By Wiebke Schuppe
Description: the artwork consists of two roll-ups featuring DPG and Quantum 2025, more informational material about GPS, Quantum 2025 and GPS project QuanTour will be displayed on a table.
By Joshua Stocco and team
Description: Frontiers is a leading research publisher, powered by custom-built technology, AI, and a constructive peer review, Frontiers community journals give experts in more than 1800 academic fields an open access platform to publish high quality, high impact research.
By Jen Salazar and team
Description: IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. As a public charity, IEEE focuses on bringing community together to advance the field.
By Sven Ederer and team
Description: Berthold Leibinger Stiftung prioritizes advancing and recognizing exceptional achievements in laser light research, including quantum optics. Its biennial international awards, the Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis and Zukunftspreis, honor outstanding milestones in scientific and industrial laser research.
By Li Xiao and team
Description: Founded in 1979, the Chinese Optical Society (COS) is dedicated to advancing optical technology and fostering communication among scientists, engineers, educators, and students.
Jake Amery and team
Description: IOP Publishing is one of the world’s leading learned society physics publishers. Combining the values of a scholarly society with the expertise and efficiency of a global publisher, IOPP delivers impact, recognition and value to the scientific community.
By Elisabetta, Paladino and team
Description: the display will include an interactive virtual laboratory where players can "experiment" a quantum optic laboratory and Board game Qtris, the first board game designed to teach players the fundamentals of quantum mechanics.
By Peter Sigrist and team
Quantinuum is the world's largest integrated quantum computing company, pioneering the next era of computing. Quantinuum's mission is to accelerate quantum computing and use its power to positively transform the world.
By Maryann Gross and team
Description: AIP Publishing connects their authors and readers to a living legacy of published science, to peers and institutions around the world, and to the services, tools, and platforms they need to present, promote, and expand the reach of groundbreaking efforts in the physical sciences.
By Catherine Simondi and team
Description: ID Quantique aims to showcase the advancement of the technology and use cases from industries.
By Martijn Weber, Derek Lomas and team
Description: Quantum Resonance allows visitors to explore how resonance and interference patterns shape both the invisible quantum world and the beautiful patterns of cymatics.
By Melissa Turesky and team
Description: D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services, and is the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers.
By Moritz Klein, Melvin Softic, Erik Vogel, Adrian Kranyak, Stefano Gampe, Dan Curticapean, Offenburg University of Applied Sciences
Description: the VR Experiment allows visitors to step into a digital universe where quantum particularity becomes an interactive journey, transforming abstract physics into a breathtaking visual experience.
By Martha W. Lewis (Artist) and Florian Carle (Producer)
Description: the artwork shown here is part of the larger touring exhibition "The Quantum Revolution: Handcrafted in New Haven" debuted in 2022. These are detailed portraits of the hand-built dilution refrigerators that supported groundbreaking experiments, such as Badger’s execution of the world’s first two-qubit algorithms using a superconducting quantum processor in 2009.
By Dave Alsobrooks and team
Description: SCQ champions quantum talent and technology across the Southeastern United States and beyond. It aims to build an ecosystem that unites industry, academia, and entrepreneurs.
By James Phillips and Beth Honebrink
Description: the artwork consists of electronic visuals, and with large display screen, to show videos, demos, other visuals on quantum and Microsoft’s advances in quantum computing.
By Emma Sanders, Emergence Delft supported by Quantum Delta NL
Description: Emergence Delft focuses on quantum technology—a promising field where TU Delft, the team’s home base, and its partner QuTech are key contributors. The team not only recognises the transformative power of quantum technology but also the challenges and responsibilities its development brings. Creating more awareness for quantum technology is essential to ensure a positive net societal impact.
By Robin Baumgarten and team
Description: Quantum Jungle is a new interactive art installation that playfully visualizes Quantum Physics concepts on a large wall filled with hundreds touch-sensitive metal springs and thousands of LEDs. Quantum Jungle calculates Schrödinger's Equation to model the movement of a quantum particle, and demonstrates concepts such as superposition, interference, wave-particle duality, and quantum waveform collapse.
By Caroline Delétoille and team
Description: the artwork consists of a preview of the exhibition "Quantum sensation" that will be presented at Poincaré Museum in Paris between April and July 2025. This exhibition results from an original research-creation process combining art, physics, and philosophy.
Your timely registration is essential to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Below is an overview of the key events and venues to help you plan your participation:
- Day 1: the ceremony will be held in Room I
- Day 2: the ceremony will move to Room II
Throughout both days, the exhibition will be open in Salle des Actes and Salle des Pas Perdus. Attendees are invited to explore these spaces for an engaging and interactive experience.
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