The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics and is a United Nations observance that aims to highlight the contributions of quantum science and practical applications of quantum technology.

The mission of the IYQ is to use the occasion of 100 years of quantum mechanics in 2025 to help raise public awareness of the importance and impact of quantum science and applications on all aspects of life. Anyone, anywhere can participate in IYQ by helping others to learn more about quantum on this centennial occasion or simply taking the time to learn more about it themselves. No One Owns Quantum Science No individual, society, country, institution, or discipline can claim ownership of the past or future of quantum science; it is knowledge that should be free to all. IYQ recognizes those who put effort into studying, developing, investigating, using, and teaching quantum science and technology, while seeking to solicit and answer questions from anyone who wants to learn more about it. Those who have insights into the beauty, power, and importance of quantum science and technology should use IYQ as a moment to share these insights with people who are less familiar with quantum. IYQ asks everyone to make an effort to reach out to people with different cultural backgrounds and aesthetic sensibilities.

If you’re inclined to present or seek out a unified story, make note of where others dissent. If you’re inclined to highlight disputes and controversies, recognize where there is consensus. If you’re inclined to promote or to understand established knowledge, make note of what is still unknown. Manythings have been and will be said about quantum science and technology that are untrue or misleading. The remedy for these statements is more quantum speech. All people proceed from learning simple, sometimes incorrect stories to deeper, more nuanced ones. IYQ aims to meet people where they are in their understanding and help them to construct pathways for this journey. There is often a disparity between how we hope scientific inquiry is conducted and how it is actually practiced by individuals and institutions. IYQ is an opportunity to communicate and model the ideals of how science should be practiced in the hope that future generations will take up these values. Pride in the past and optimism about the future are welcome, and stories often have to be simplified out of necessity, but IYQ should always aim to foreground honesty about the past and future of quantum science and technology. If quantum has brought joy to your life, share this joy with others.

Kwantummechanica

Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology