In 2025, the world celebrates the centenary of quantum mechanics – and the University of Vienna is part of it! As one of the leading centres for quantum research, the University will showcase the wonders and importance of this field with a diverse programme of events.
In cooperation with Quantum Science Austria (quantA), the University of Vienna is involved in a wide range of activities that combine science, technology and society. From top-class specialist events to formats for the general public – here you can find all the information about Quantum Year 2025 at the University of Vienna.
New game, new rules: welcome to the quantum world, where particles can seemingly exist in multiple places at once and long-held certainties are shaken. In this playing field, our understanding of the world is fundamentally shifting as groundbreaking technologies open up new possibilities.
As part of the semester question, academics will offer exciting insights into their "playing field" and explain how quantum phenomena overturn our worldview, making technologies such as quantum computers and completely secure communication systems possible.
Find out more about the "new rules" of the quantum world – first-hand from the academics at the University of Vienna:
The University of Vienna is an internationally recognised centre of quantum science. In the more than 18 state-of-the-art laboratories of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information research group, scientists get to the bottom of fundamental quantum phenomena and develop new technologies that contribute to a second quantum revolution.
The spectrum ranges from the fundamentals of quantum physics to applications, e.g. in the fields of quantum information, quantum cryptography and quantum sensor technology. The close exchange between theory and experiment repeatedly leads to new discoveries – for example, at the interface between quantum physics and gravity.
Further information: The entanglement of physics and philosophy
Quantum physics does not just play a central role within physics but also influences numerous other research areas at the University of Vienna. It is closely linked to particle, atomic and nuclear physics, solid state and material physics, as well as quantum field theory and quantum gravity. In addition, it provides decisive impulses for quantum chemistry, mathematics and life sciences, especially in molecular biology. The methods of quantum research open up new perspectives in interdisciplinary projects and contribute to fundamental questions about the nature of reality.
With strong international cooperations, clusters of excellence and intensive promotion of early stage researchers, the University of Vienna makes an important contribution to the further development of quantum science and its technological applications.
Further information: https://vcq-quantum.at/quantum-career-day/
New game, new rules: How does quantum research change our reality? At the end of the semester, high-profile scientists will engage in discussions about the fascinating world of quantum research and its potential impact on our lives: How does quantum research shape our everyday lives, how is it revolutionising our worldview and what technological possibilities does it open up? How can Austria succeed in maintaining its leading position in the global race for progress in this field?
Where: Main Ceremonial Hall of the University of Vienna
Target group: the interested general public
Further information will be updated here: How does quantum research change our reality?
At the Vienna Children’s University, the youngest of young scientists aged 7 to 12 can experience what makes quantum research exciting by following in the footsteps of the scientists themselves.
Where: Campus of the University of Vienna, Hof 2, Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Vienna
Further information: https://kinderuni.at/en/vienna-childrens-university/info/
Every two years, the Austrian Physical Society (ÖPG) and the Swiss Physical Society (SPG) organise a joint conference. As a central binational event, this conference brings together leading experts from all physics disciplines in Austria and Switzerland, including early stage scientists and students. Plenary lectures and a public lecture for the interested public in the Austrian Academy of Sciences offer a unique opportunity to share the wonder of physics with an engaged and curious audience.
Where: University of Vienna, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna
Target group for the conference: experts and young scientists from all physics-related disciplines in Austria and Switzerland.
Target group of the public lecture: the interested general public
Further information: https://oepg-sps-meetingvienna2025.univie.ac.at/
The Quantum Innovation Lab is an entrepreneurship programme designed to support quantum researchers at all career stages to bring their ideas from the laboratory to the market. Through an intensive boot camp, expert-led webinars and mentoring, participants acquire essential skills in the areas of deep-tech innovation, intellectual property and business development. The programme connects researchers with the industry, investors and incubators, thereby strengthening Austria’s quantum technology ecosystem.
Where: Bad Ischl
Further information: https://ilabs.univie.ac.at/quantum-ilab/