IUPAP is a Proud Partner of the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
Officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on June 7, 2024, IYQ2025 builds on years of international collaboration, including early endorsement from IUPAP’s 30th General Assembly in 2021. Recognizing the importance of quantum science and technoloty and the need for wider awareness of its past and future impact, the proclamation involved the joined work of several scientific societies which agreed on marking the 100 years of quantum mechanics as a milestone in the advancement of science.
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 as well as roundtable discussions on equity, education, innovation, and the global quantum ecosystem. The first keynote address was given by Prof. Anne L’Huillier, 2023 Nobel Laureate in Physics, speaking on “Watching The Quantum World With Ultrashort Light Pulses,” followed later in the program by a second keynote, delivered by Prof. William D. Phillips, 1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics who shared his personal and thoughtful perspective on the past, present and future of quantum science.
As part of the activities to celebrate IYQ2025, IUPAP partnered up with UNESCO to launch 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 and technology can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As part of its public engagement initiatives for IYQ2025, IUPAP is also launching an International Photo Contest to capture the beauty and impact of quantum science. 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. The IUPAP-IYQ2025 Photo Contest accepts entries beginning 08:00 EST, 9 June 2025, and ends at 23:59 EST on 31 August 2025. By submitting an entry, each participant agrees to the official rules and confirms that their entry complies with all requirements noted in the rules. Winners will be notified on October 10, 2025. Winners will be publicly announced on October 17, 2025.
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.
