The United Nations have declared 2025 the "International Year of Quantum Science and Technology". Ulm kicks off its quantum year "quant.ulm.2025" on Friday, 14 March. On this special date, the birthday of Albert Einstein, who was born in Ulm in 1879 and is regarded as a major driving force behind the development of quantum mechanics, Ulm will showcase its role as one of the leading locations for quantum technology - and Ulm University will of course be there!
The kick-off event begins on 14 March at 11 am with a "Black Hole" by the Albert Einstein Discovery Center on Ulm's Münsterplatz. From 5 pm, the public is invited to the Haus der Begegnung, where Nobel Prize winner Prof Dr Anne L'Huillier will give exciting insights into the world of quantum phenomena in the evening. Beforehand, there will be a welcome talk with Ulm's Lord Mayor Martin Ansbacher, Professor Joachim Ankerhold, Head of the Institute of Complex Quantum Systems at Ulm University and Dr Christian Brand, Deputy Head of the Institute of Quantum Technologies at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Another highlight is the first public presentation of the model of the Albert Einstein Discovery Centre, designed by the prestigious architect Daniel Libeskind. There will be an extensive accompanying programme.
Ulm University and the German Aerospace Centre are two outstanding quantum research institutions based in Ulm. The laws of quantum mechanics open up completely new horizons for the development of future technologies: whether in medical imaging, quantum computing, satellite navigation or information encryption and data security - the areas of application are diverse and the potential for innovation is enormous. The underlying physical phenomena are being researched by scientists at Ulm University in our "Quantum Science and Technology" profile area. They are among the world's leading minds in the field of quantum physics and are working on understanding and controlling quantum systems and utilising their physical properties for novel applications at the highest level.
The Ulm Quantum Initiative, which has come together under the auspices of the Digital Agenda of the City of Ulm, brings together numerous contributors: Ulm University, DLR, TFU, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Albert Einstein Discovery Centre and the City of Ulm. Together, they are pursuing the goal of bringing the city's impressive expertise in quantum research to the attention of the public.
Over the course of the year, many events and projects are planned that are aimed at anyone who is curious about quantum phenomena. These include the NANUU Night at DLR on 8 April, the Long Evening of Science at Ulm University with the Quantum Night on 23 May and the TFU anniversary, which is also dedicated to the topic of quanta. These events offer an excellent opportunity to experience the fascination and potential of quantum science at first hand.
Text: Karl-Michael Dittrich (City of Ulm), Christine Liebhardt