On February 21, 2025, the Geneva Conservatory of Music hosted a celebration for the launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), co-organized by the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN and UNESCO. Over 100 members from the International Geneva community attended, including representatives from Italy, Mexico, Kenya, Vanuatu, Slovenia, India, and Saudi Arabia.
The event focused on themes such as equitable access to quantum technology, open science, capacity building, education, and bridging the digital divide. Enrica Porcari emphasized the importance of international cooperation and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure quantum technology benefits all. Throughout 2025, OQI will host activities including hackathons and the Quantum Diplomacy Game across multiple continents.
Launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) launch in Geneva marked a significant milestone in promoting quantum technologies globally. Held at the historic Geneva Conservatory of Music, the event brought together over 100 members of the International Geneva community, including policymakers, diplomats, scientists, and representatives from civil society. The gathering aimed to raise awareness about the societal impact of quantum technology and its potential benefits for communities worldwide.
Key themes explored during the celebration included equitable access to quantum technology, open science, capacity building, education, and bridging the digital divide. These discussions underscored the importance of global collaboration in shaping a shared vision for quantum technology development. Enrica Porcari, Head of CERN’s IT department, emphasized that international cooperation is central to CERN’s mission, particularly through its Open Quantum Institute (OQI) program. This initiative fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders to anticipate the impacts of quantum technologies and ensure their benefits are realized for all.
Throughout 2025, OQI at CERN will lead various activities worldwide, including regional events, hackathons, and the Quantum Diplomacy Game. These initiatives aim to engage a broad audience in exploring the potential of quantum science and technology. Additionally, CERN will host a dedicated events season, allowing local audiences to delve deeper into the quantum world and understand how fundamental research can drive societal impact.
As an officially recognized global IYQ event, the Geneva event highlighted the importance of multilateral governance structures for sustainable and inclusive quantum technology development. By fostering international cooperation and anticipation of future challenges, the launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology sets a foundation for equitable progress in this transformative field.
Themes Explored During the Celebration
The event in Geneva highlighted several critical themes central to the development and application of quantum technologies. Equitable access was a recurring focus, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to ensure that quantum innovations benefit all regions, particularly those with limited resources. This theme aligns with the broader goals of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), which seeks to foster inclusivity in technological advancements.
Open science emerged as another key area of discussion, underscoring the importance of transparency and collaboration in scientific research. By promoting open access to knowledge and resources, the quantum community can build a more inclusive ecosystem that encourages participation from diverse stakeholders worldwide. Capacity building was also highlighted as essential for empowering individuals and communities to engage with quantum technologies effectively.
Education played a pivotal role in these discussions, with participants stressing the need for robust educational programs to prepare future generations for the challenges and opportunities presented by quantum science. Bridging the digital divide was another critical theme, recognizing that equitable access to quantum technologies requires addressing existing disparities in infrastructure and connectivity across regions.
Future Activities and Events Organized by OQI at CERN
Throughout 2025, the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN will spearhead a series of global activities designed to deepen understanding and engagement with quantum science and technology. These initiatives include regional events, hackathons, and the Quantum Diplomacy Game, all aimed at fostering international collaboration and exploring the potential societal impacts of quantum technologies. The Quantum Diplomacy Game, in particular, offers participants an interactive platform to navigate complex challenges related to the development and governance of quantum technologies, encouraging strategic thinking and multilateral cooperation.
In addition to these global efforts, CERN will host a dedicated events season focused on quantum science. This series of activities will provide local audiences with opportunities to engage deeply with the subject, offering insights into how fundamental research in quantum physics can drive transformative societal change. By bringing together researchers, policymakers, and the general public, these events aim to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and their real-world applications.
The breadth of OQI’s initiatives reflects a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that the benefits of quantum science are shared globally. Through these activities, CERN seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists and policymakers while addressing critical challenges such as equitable access to technology and ethical considerations in quantum research.
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