The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) opens today in Paris.

The International Year of Quantum Science and Technologies, proclaimed by the United Nations, has officially begun. The numerous initiatives planned worldwide were launched during the ceremony held on February 4–5, 2025, at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, attended by leading figures in the field such as Anne L’Huillier, Nobel Prize laureate in Physics for 2023, Alain Aspect, Nobel Prize winner in 2022, and Jian-Wei Pan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The National Research Council (CNR) is represented through its many researchers and the National Quantum Science and Technology Institute, a distinguished partner of IYQ2025. Available to the public at the UNESCO venue are virtual reality headsets designed and developed by the CNR’s National Institute of Optics for simulating quantum experiments.

It is no coincidence that the Italian Government has allocated the most significant portion of its PNRR resources—116 million euros—to the establishment of the National Quantum Science and Technology Institute. A groundbreaking project, NQSTI stands out for its comprehensive vision and integration of theoretical research with practical applications. Its nine thematic “Spokes” cover all strategic areas of quantum technologies, from quantum simulation to secure communication system optimization, quantum sensing, and the development of new materials.

Behind the acronym NQSTI are the top players Italy currently deploys in the global quantum physics challenge: 20 institutions, including universities, public research entities, and leading companies such as Leonardo and Thales Alenia Space. Additionally, other significant public and private organizations have already begun collaborating. Since its inception, NQSTI has involved 470 scientists, generated multiple patentable innovations with concrete applications in various sectors, and launched high-impact technological projects involving public entities, startups, SMEs, and university spin-offs, with targeted funding exceeding 17 million euros—half of which is directed to Southern Italy. At least one hundred young researchers have been hired, preventing them from becoming “brain drain” cases: they have found an opportunity to express their talents here. Some, thanks to NQSTI, have even decided to return to research in Italy.

All of this is discussed during the three-day event organized by NQSTI for its second congress, which will take place from February 5–7 in Rome at the CNR Headquarters and the University of La Sapienza. This event will also serve as the Italian opening of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). The opening address will be delivered by NQSTI President Claudio Pettinari, former Rector of the University of Cassino, followed by speeches from Maria Chiara Carrozza, President of the CNR, Antonella Polimeni, Rector of the University of La Sapienza, Fabrizio Cobis representing the Ministry of University and Research, and Sylwia Kostka, coordinator of the QuantERA project.

Read Sole24Ore (5.2.2025)