The quest for faster, more efficient technologies has taken a significant leap forward with the University of Jyväskylä poised to lead a new Centre of Excellence in Quantum Materials. Selected by the Research Council of Finland for an eight-year funding period, this initiative will harness the power of quantum mechanics to design and understand next-generation materials with revolutionary potential in electronics and photonics. Joining three existing Centres of Excellence at JYU, this new hub – a collaboration with Aalto University, Tampere University, and VTT – promises not only groundbreaking research but also increased international visibility and the opportunity to push the boundaries of scientific discovery through long-term, risk-taking investigation.
University of Jyväskylä Secures CoE Funding
The University of Jyväskylä’s recent success in securing Centre of Excellence (CoE) funding from the Research Council of Finland solidifies its position as a leading hub for scientific innovation. This eight-year investment, beginning in 2026, not only establishes a new CoE focused on Quantum Materials – led by Professor Tero Heikkilä – but also brings the University’s total number of CoEs to four, demonstrating consistent research excellence. The funding, a collaborative effort between the Research Council, JYU, and partner institutions like Aalto University, Tampere University, and VTT, is particularly significant as it enables long-term, risk-taking research – crucial for breakthroughs in complex fields like quantum materials. Vice Rector for Research, Kaisa Miettinen, highlights that CoE status amplifies research visibility and impact, extending beyond financial resources. The new CoE’s ambitious goals – ranging from investigating hybrid 2D materials and superconductivity to utilizing quantum computers for materials design – aim to advance Finland’s burgeoning quantum technology sector, with potential applications in next-generation electronics and photonics. This funding underscores JYU’s commitment to quantum research, complementing its existing involvement in the Finnish Quantum Flagship and related doctoral programs.
New Quantum Materials Centre: Focus & Goals
The new Centre of Excellence in Quantum Materials at the University of Jyväskylä adopts a multi-pronged approach to materials discovery, extending beyond simply applying quantum mechanics to existing materials. Professor Tero Heikkilä’s team will investigate a diverse range of quantum phenomena – from the intricacies of hybrid 2D materials and the potential of ferroelectric/superconducting combinations, to the more esoteric areas of spin liquids and fractional Chern insulators. A key objective is to characterize these materials using advanced quantum information methods, effectively creating a ‘quantum fingerprint’ to understand their unique properties. Significantly, the CoE will leverage the power of quantum computers not just for simulation, but to design entirely new, ‘virtual’ materials with targeted functionalities. This ambitious undertaking aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical application, with a specific focus on creating novel device functionalities for next-generation electronics and photonics. Beyond technological advancement, however, Heikkilä emphasizes a core scientific pursuit: a fundamental exploration of the very possibilities of electronic states of matter. This dedication to pure discovery, coupled with the CoE’s integration into the Finnish Quantum Flagship, positions Jyväskylä as a central player in advancing both the scientific understanding and technological capabilities within Finland’s burgeoning quantum sector.
Long-Term Impact of CoE Programme
The long-term impact of the University of Jyväskylä’s expanding Centre of Excellence (CoE) programme extends far beyond immediate research outputs. With the addition of the Quantum Materials CoE in 2026, bringing the university’s total to four, a sustained period of focused, high-risk, high-reward investigation is secured, fostering a uniquely fertile ground for scientific advancement. This eight-year funding model, bolstered by collaborative efforts with institutions like Aalto University, Tampere University, and VTT, allows researchers – led by Professor Tero Heikkilä in this instance – to pursue ambitious goals, such as utilizing quantum computers for materials design and exploring the properties of hybrid 2D materials, without the constraints of short-term project funding.
Crucially, the CoE status isn’t simply about financial resources; as Vice Rector Kaisa Miettinen emphasizes, it significantly amplifies research visibility on an international scale, attracting top talent and fostering valuable collaborations. This, coupled with JYU’s existing involvement in the Finnish Quantum Flagship consortium, positions the university as a central pillar in Finland’s burgeoning quantum technology sector. The anticipated outcome isn’t solely the development of next-generation electronics and photonics, but also a deeper fundamental understanding of “what kinds of electronic states of matter can exist,” paving the way for unforeseen discoveries and future technological breakthroughs. The programme’s emphasis on long-term commitment fosters a research culture that embraces risk and encourages exploration beyond established boundaries.
