In 2023, the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI) achieved several milestones, including the launch of the Open Quantum Institute. The QTI lecture series was introduced, featuring talks from young researchers and established scientists like Dr Nicole Yunger Halpern. CERN QTI also supported the World Quantum Day celebration, hosting a quantum workshop for high school students. A significant achievement was the publication of a white paper by a working group from CERN, DESY, IBM Quantum and other organisations, identifying areas in particle physics that could benefit from quantum computing technologies. The Open Quantum Institute was proposed to ensure quantum technologies are used to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development goals.
Quantum + CERN
CERN Quantum Technology Initiative: A 2023 Retrospective
In 2023, the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI) achieved several milestones, from launching new educational activities to the establishment of the Open Quantum Institute. This article will delve into the key accomplishments of the year.
The first quarter of 2023 saw the launch of the CERN QTI lecture series. These free talks, open to all, focused on recent developments, opportunities, and challenges in various areas of quantum research. The series welcomed young researchers and doctoral students, providing them a platform to showcase their work and bring new insights into the rapidly evolving field of quantum science. A special edition of the series featured Dr. Nicole Yunger Halpern, a renowned theoretical physicist and award-winning book author from the US, who presented a unique guide to quantum thermodynamics.
In the second quarter, CERN QTI supported the World Quantum Day celebration for the second year in a row, setting up a special quantum workshop for high school students. Co-organised with Finland’s QPlayLearn team, the event promoted early quantum-physics education to help build the future generation of quantum experts.
CERN Quantum Computing for High Energy Physics
The third quarter marked an important milestone for CERN QTI. A working group with experts from CERN, DESY, IBM Quantum, and over 30 other organisations published a white paper identifying areas in both theoretical and experimental particle physics that could benefit from the application of quantum-computing technologies. The group had met for the second time in 2023 to start selecting specific use cases from the activities listed in the white paper and take them forward through CERN’s and DESY’s participation in the IBM Quantum Network, and collaboration with IBM Quantum, under its “100×100 Challenge”.
CERN Quantum Technologies for Society
The last quarter of the year saw the announcement of a three-year pilot phase of the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), proposed by GESDA in collaboration with leading technology companies and research institutes, including CERN. Hosted by CERN, the OQI aims to ensure that quantum technologies are put to use to achieve key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and reduce a possible new digital divide.
Conferences and Events
The year also saw the third edition of Sparks! on the theme of Future Quantum, held at the recently inaugurated CERN Science Gateway. The annual Quantum Techniques in Machine Learning (QTML) conference was hosted for the first time at CERN in late November, gathering leading academic researchers and industry players to interact through a series of scientific talks focused on the interplay between machine learning and quantum physics.
The Future of CERN QTI
2023 concluded the first three-year phase of the CERN QTI programme, which was full of investigations on the potential impact of quantum technology on the LHC community at CERN and particle physics in general. The next phase, starting in 2024, will focus on four main areas: Hybrid computing, Platform demonstrators, Quantum Network Hub, and Collaboration and Impact. The longer-term work plan for the second phase of CERN QTI is currently being developed, with more news expected in the new year of 2024.
“In her talk, she presented a unique “steampunk” guide to quantum thermodynamics as a way to blend inventions of the past with futuristic technology.”
Dr Nicole Yunger Halpern
The ultimate goal is to help ensure that quantum technologies are put to use to achieve key United Nations Sustainable Development goals and reduce a possible new digital divide, by facilitating the widest possible access to quantum computing resources and technical expertise.
The focus of each area will be to bring practical impact for CERN, support the development and adoption of quantum technologies beyond the Organization, and expand the current ecosystem of collaborations with academia, research institutes and industry.
Quick Summary
In 2023, the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI) made significant strides in quantum research and education, including the launch of a lecture series, the publication of a white paper on quantum computing for particle physics, and the initiation of the Open Quantum Institute to promote access to quantum computing resources. The initiative also marked the end of its first three-year phase, setting the stage for future focus on hybrid computing, platform demonstrators, a Quantum Network Hub, and collaboration and impact.
- The CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI) had several milestones in 2023, including the launch of the Open Quantum Institute.
- The CERN QTI lecture series was launched, providing a platform for young researchers and doctoral students to share their work in quantum research. A special edition featured Dr Nicole Yunger Halpern, a theoretical physicist from the US.
- CERN QTI supported the World Quantum Day celebration for the second year, setting up a quantum workshop for high school students in collaboration with Finland’s QPlayLearn team.
- A working group with experts from CERN, DESY, IBM Quantum, and over 30 other organizations published a white paper on the application of quantum-computing technologies in theoretical and experimental particle physics.
- The Open Quantum Institute (OQI), proposed by GESDA and hosted by CERN, was announced to help ensure quantum technologies are used to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development goals.
- The annual Quantum Techniques in Machine Learning (QTML) conference was hosted at CERN for the first time.
- CERN QTI concluded its first three-year phase, establishing several initiatives across the High Energy Physics (HEP) community and proving CERN to be an important player in the field of quantum technologies.
- In its new phase starting in 2024, CERN QTI will focus on four main areas: Hybrid computing, Platform demonstrators, Quantum Network Hub, and Collaboration and Impact.
