Harald Ritsch

Quantum2025

100 years is just the beginning...

The formulation of quantum mechanics in 1925 laid a lasting foundation for our physical understanding of nature. 100 years later, in 2025, quantum mechanics has an impact on all areas of our culture, science, technology and art.

Why does the sun shine? What holds atoms together? Why do some molecules contribute to global warming and others don't? Why are things magnetic? All these everyday experiences can only be explained by the phenomena of quantum physics. It is the smallest building blocks of matter and their interactions that cause great differences. This understanding has led to revolutionary technical developments: LEDs as energy-saving light sources, transistors as the centrepiece of our smart technologies and magnetic resonance imaging as an important tool for medical imaging. And we are only at the beginning – current developments in quantum technologies are likely to fundamentally change our world once again.

The German Physical Society is taking this as a chance to highlight the role of quantum physics from all sides with a comprehensive anniversary programme together with its international sister societies and other partners. The planned UNESCO "International Year of Quantum Science and Technology" will provide the framework for this.

Overall Programme

In order to shed light on the role of quantum physics in the light of its results, its future options and its origins in all its facets, the DPG is planning numerous established events and new formats.

Public events will complement the DPG Spring Meetings and the DPG Autumn Meeting; the year will be framed by an opening and closing event. There will also be a special stamp - keep an eye out!

Quanta in Science and Quantum Technologies

Quantum technologies are enabling completely new applications in secure data communication (e. g. quantum kryptography) , sensor technology, metrology and simulation, and at the same time open up new questions for research. We will have a look inside the quantum labs and show what quantum researchers are currently working on and what stimulates their interests.

Playful Quantum Science and Quantum Science in Schools

Quantum physics is an important topic in schools, because it has had a lasting impact on our view of modern physics. For teaching, modern quantum science and technologies can provide further momentum to strengthen public insight and broad education in the natural sciences in general.

Quanta in Music, Philosophy, Art and Literature

Fundamental concepts of quantum theory are a challenge to philosophical interpretations of quantum theory even today, and they also challenge art, literature, and music to deal with its irritating aspects. We plan to make the variety of expressions of the phenomenon 'quantum' tangible through exhibitions, concerts, theater and readings.

Quanta in the Professional world, Career and Society

Quantum technology not only promises further developments of already known methods and processes, it also raises expectations of revolutionary changes: Quantum computing is supposed to solve complex problems that conventional computers fail at; quantum networks lend physical rather than algorithmic security to the architecture of our IT world. What should we prepare for as a society? What consequences will companies and public institutions, employ-ees and decision-makers have to bear?

The Path to the Modern Quantum World and beyond

A theory like quantum mechanics does not just come to mind on e. g. a simple trip for curing diseases. Rather, it was a long road that led from insight about the limitations of classical mechanics at microscopic, atomic scales to establishing this novel theory. It was stimulated by experiments that showed surprising quantum properties of nature and proceeded hand in hand with intense analysis and discussion by physicists at different intellectual centers of physical research on more adequate mathematical concepts. Cooperation and exchange were central to the success of a long development of theories and applications in quantum physics. But is it really different today?

What happened in 1925?

If the surprising proposals of Max Planck (quantum of action), Albert Einstein (light quanta) and Niels Bohr (atomic model with quantum leaps) had made the necessity of a reformulation of classical mechanics more and more urgent, Werner Heisenberg in 1925 - in a lively exchange with Wolfgang Pauli - found the breakthrough approach from which a quantum mechanics could be developed. Together with Max Born and Pascual Jordan, they succeeded in developing a consistent and applicable theory in Göttingen in a very short time. They were immediately joined by the equivalent versions by Paul Dirac (Cambridge) and Erwin Schrödinger (Zurich). Quantum mechanics is now the experimentally most precisely tested theory not only in physics but in science altogether.

International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

Logo IYQST Together with partners in Germany and abroad, the DPG is pursuing the initiative of having the UN proclaim an international year of quantum physics, analogous to such successful science years as the "Year of Light". This initiative is supported by renowned international organizations such as IUPAP (International Union of Pure and Applied Physics) or the Metre Convention. At the same time, the Year of Science in Germany could be dedicated to this technology of the future.

International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQST)

Harald Ritsch