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In 2025, the world will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of quantum mechanics, which revolutionized our understanding of the microscopic world and laid the foundation for many modern technologies. In June last year, the United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to emphasize the importance of quantum research and raise awareness about the growing significance of this field. In Slovakia, the Research Center for Quantum Information (RCQI) at the Institute of Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (IPSAS) is actively participating in this initiative. Together with partners from the National Center for Quantum Technologies – QUTE.sk, they are preparing various activities throughout 2025 for both experts and the general public.

"We see UNESCO's Year of Quantum as both a challenge and an opportunity to bring 100 years of quantum physics closer to the public and demonstrate how this field influences our daily lives. In 1925, Max Born, Pascual Jordan, and Werner Heisenberg identified a new area of physics—quantum mechanics—in two key papers. A year later, Erwin Schrödinger formulated the fundamental equation of the quantum world, collectively laying the foundations of a new science—quantum physics," says Mário Ziman, Director of the Institute of Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. He adds, "Quantum physics is no longer just a laboratory or academic curiosity for physicists. Whether we realize it or not, we all use lasers, transistors, and atomic clocks today. The next generation of quantum technologies has the potential to trigger a new technological revolution, particularly in areas such as optimization, security, simulations, artificial intelligence, robotics, and many others."

At the beginning of 2025, a 12-part popular science article series, Quantum World, was launched in Quark magazine. Additionally, two related competitions have been announced: an art competition for children up to 15 years old (QArt 2025: Quantum Odyssey) and a creative competition for youth up to 20 years old (Playful Quantum Games). The quantum community will also celebrate the International Quantum Day (WQD2025) on April 14 in Bratislava's KC (Kácečko) cultural center with a lecture and discussion for the public.

"Beyond additional popular science lectures across Slovakia and active participation in this year's European Researchers' Night, we are also part of the organizing teams for international conferences on quantum technologies. These events will bring world-renowned scientists and entrepreneurs in quantum technologies to Bratislava," explains Diana Cencer Garafová from QUTE.sk.

Another major milestone will be the completion of the first phase of Slovakia’s quantum communication infrastructure (skQCI), which will include the launch of network nodes at partner institutions. "Research and development in quantum communication are progressing, and 2025 will be a key milestone for its applications in Slovakia. Wewe believe that both the public and the scientific community will engage with these topics and take part in the planned activities," adds Mário Ziman.

All key information about activities dedicated to the International Year of Quantum

Authors, Source, and Media Contact: Andrej Liptaj, Institute of Physics, SAS, Diana Cencer Garafová, QUTE.sk

Photos: Diana Cencer Garafová, QUTE.sk