The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has joined the Interdisciplinary Centre for Quantum Science and Technology, strengthening the world-renowned research hub’s mission to advance our understanding of nature and develop innovative technologies based on quantum science. Founded in 2014 by the University of Stuttgart, the centre brings together experts from various fields, including natural sciences, engineering, and life sciences.
IQST Director Prof. Stefanie Barz welcomes KIT as a new partner, highlighting the institution’s existing contributions to the centre through its scientists’ expertise. Physicist Prof. Fedor Jelezko, also an IQST Director, emphasizes the growing importance of applications in quantum technologies, which will benefit society by making sensors more precise and efficient, ensuring secure communication channels, and enhancing high-performance computing.
The partnership is expected to further strengthen Baden-Württemberg’s leading position in quantum sciences. KIT’s focus on molecular and superconducting quantum bits complements IQST’s activities.
Strengthening Interdisciplinary Research in Quantum Science and Technology
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has joined the Interdisciplinary Centre for Quantum Science and Technology (IQST) as a new partner, further solidifying IQST’s position at the forefront of quantum research. This partnership marks a significant milestone in IQST’s decade-long journey to advance our understanding of nature and develop innovative technologies based on quantum science.
IQST’s mission is to leverage synergies between the natural sciences, engineering, and life sciences to drive progress in quantum technology. The centre’s interdisciplinary approach has already borne fruit, with many KIT scientists contributing their expertise as Fellows. The formal partnership between IQST and KIT will strengthen networking within the academic quantum community in Baden-Württemberg.
IQST was founded in 2014 on the initiative of Prof. Wolfgang Schleich (University of Ulm) and Prof. Tilman Pfau (University of Stuttgart). In addition to the Universities of Stuttgart and Ulm, the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI-FKF) in Stuttgart is its third founding member.
Focus on Applications: Quantum Technologies for Societal Benefit
IQST scientists are committed to exploring applications of quantum science that can benefit society. Although significant basic research is still required, the focus on practical applications is becoming increasingly important. The integration of KIT into IQST will decisively strengthen this centre of excellence in quantum science in Baden-Württemberg.
Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionize various fields, including manufacturing and medical technology, secure communication channels, and high-performance computing. Promising areas of application are already emerging, particularly in sensor technology and communications. For instance, quantum sensors can enhance precision and efficiency in manufacturing and medical technology, while secure communication channels can protect sensitive information.
Bundled Competence in Quantum Research
The partnership between IQST and KIT will create a powerful research network in quantum technologies in Baden-Württemberg. KIT’s expertise in molecular and superconducting quantum bits complements the activities developed by IQST over the last decade, further enriching the centre’s interdisciplinary approach.
Moreover, the joint Cluster of Excellence initiative “Chem4Quant” will pool the expertise of KIT, the Universities of Stuttgart and Ulm, and other partners to focus on molecular quantum systems. This rapidly developing branch of science has the potential to further strengthen Baden-Württemberg’s globally leading position in the quantum sciences.
Open to the Research Community and Young Talents
IQST is committed to promoting young scientists through Master’s, graduate, and postdoctoral programmes. The centre offers a platform for top international young scientists to learn about milestones in quantum research and contribute to the advancement of the field. In 2025, eleven doctoral projects will commence at the IQST Graduate School @QuantumBW, providing opportunities for early-career researchers to engage with leading experts in the field.
IQST’s openness to the research community and its dedication to nurturing young talent are essential components of its mission to drive progress in quantum science and technology. By fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, IQST aims to accelerate the development of innovative technologies that can benefit society as a whole.
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