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Quantum Leiden creates potential for a great quantum future

Friday afternoon, 1 October. Location: one of the most vibration-free places in the world. In this setting, Leiden top scientists launched Quantum Leiden. For decades, researchers at the Faculty of Science have been investigating quantum technology at the highest level and also have been brainstorming about how to involve society in this mysterious discipline. From now, they’ll be doing this under the name of Quantum Leiden, the Leiden network that connects all research and education in the field of quantum.

Scientists are convinced that Quantum is the future. But what that future will look like exactly is not yet known. Top scientists are working closely together to discover technologies that will enable the production of a quantum computer. Quantum Leiden plays an important role in this.

The government recognises the importance of quantum as well. It has drawn up a national quantum technology agenda and is investing heavily in its implementation. With a substantial impulse from the National Growth Fund, Quantum Leiden, as one of the five hubs of the national consortium Quantum Delta NL, contributes to the implementation of this agenda.

Julia Cramer gives a talk on public engagement with quantum technology

Developing algorithms

Within this national consortium, Leiden is focusing on the development of quantum algorithms. For this purpose, the scientists work closely with other universities and with large companies such as Google and Volkswagen. But the cooperation with, for example, the Leiden Instrumentation School (LIS) is also important. They can help the scientists build the necessary equipment.

What does quantum mean to you?

Difficult. Spooky. Magical. For many people, quantum is an abstract concept. For this reason, Leiden research also focuses on communication about quantum and on how to involve society in these new technologies. For example, there are already teaching programmes on quantum at secondary schools. Physics lecturers are given refresher courses on the subject. And there is cooperation with schools at secondary and higher vocational level.

Quantum Leiden has now officially started, but it is definitely not in its infancy. There is already a great deal going on in the field of research and education. And the cooperation with all these different parties within and outside the faculty is creating enormous potential. The potential for a bright quantum future.

Leidsch Dagblad

Also read the article in the Leidsch Dagblad of 2 October about the launch of Quantum Leiden (article in Dutch).

The header-photo shows the speakers of this afternoon together with mayor Henri Lenferink, Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl and Dean Paul Wouters. from left to right: Prof. Tjerk Oosterkamp, Prof. Aske Plaat, Prof. Thomas Back, Henk Buisman, Prof. Jan Aarts, Dr. Vedran Dunjko, Prof. Julia Cramer, Prof. Hester Bijl, Prof. Carlo Beenakker, Henri Lenferink and Prof. Paul Wouters.

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