IUPAP Celebrates the Launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025

The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) proudly celebrates its partnership with UNESCO in the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025 (IYQ2025), a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of the transformative power of quantum science and its contributions to sustainable development and innovation.

Officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2023, IYQ2025 builds on years of international collaboration, including early endorsement from IUPAP’s 30th General Assembly in 2021. The year-long celebration was launched on 4–5 February 2025 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris with a high-level opening ceremony that featured keynote addresses from Nobel Laureates Anne L’Huillier and William D. Phillips, as well as roundtable discussions on equity, education, innovation, and the global quantum ecosystem.

IUPAP has played an active role in shaping the goals and programming of IYQ2025. In collaboration with UNESCO and led by IUPAP’s Working Group on Physics for Development (WG14), we launched the IUPAP–UNESCO International Colloquia on Physics for Society. The first in the series featured a talk by Prof. Anne L’Huillier and drew over 700 registrants from around the world. The series will continue throughout the year, highlighting how quantum science can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As part of its public engagement initiatives for IYQ2025, IUPAP has also launched an International Photo Contest to capture the beauty and impact of quantum science. Open from 1 May to 31 July 2025, the contest invites entries from around the world showcasing quantum phenomena, their role in our daily lives, and how quantum research and education are carried out globally. Winning entries will be announced on 27 September 2025 and featured on a dedicated contest webpage.

IYQ2025 is a unique opportunity to showcase the global relevance of quantum science, foster inclusive education and research, and promote international cooperation in physics. As we celebrate this milestone, IUPAP remains committed to supporting the scientific community and ensuring that the benefits of quantum technologies are shared equitably across the globe.

Learn more at quantum2025.org.