Celebrating Quantum Science

Quantum science and technology are set to play a pivotal role in the 21st century, addressing key global challenges outlined in the U.N.’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, including climate change and the need for clean energy, food security, and clean water.

Aiming to raise public awareness of the importance and impact of quantum science and its applications, the U.N. has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. The initiative was officially launched on 4 February, at an opening ceremony that took place in Paris, at UNESCO headquarters.

Rosario Fazio, head of ICTP’s Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics section and a physicist specializing on quantum many-body systems, co-chairs the IYQ’s steering committee and has agreed to answer a few questions about this initiative and about quantum mechanics.

How would you describe quantum mechanics, in one sentence or two?

Quantum mechanics is the theoretical framework we use to describe the microscopic world. It follows rules that are fundamentally different from those of classical physics, which we are all more familiar with. Some of its most surprising features include wave-particle duality and quantum entanglement, according to which two particles continue to interact with each other even when very far apart.

What was your first encounter with quantum mechanics like?

I first heard about quantum mechanics as a physics student, at university. I distinctly remember being asked a question about the Schrödinger equation that I answered correctly. The excitement that I felt on that occasion is what strikes me the most when I look back to those days. Something else that stood out from that course are the first chapters of Richard Feynman’s book on quantum mechanics, where he describes the phenomenon of interference and the double-slit experiment. I found them fascinating.

Is there a contribution to quantum mechanics that particularly struck you?

One of my scientific heroes is Brian Josephson. He predicted the now-called Josephson effect during his PhD and received the Nobel prize just about a decade later, in 1973. This effect occurs when two superconductors in close proximity, separated by an insulator, allow an electric current to flow between them without dissipation. This discovery has had a far-reaching impact both in science and in technology. For example, the Josephson effect enables high-precision brain scans.

How are your research and that done in your section related to quantum mechanics?

At the moment I am mainly working on quantum simulators, which are many-body quantum systems that one can use to study a certain specific process or phenomenon. They are different from quantum computers, which could potentially be programmed to solve any problem. Here at ICTP, there is a whole community of scientists working on different aspects of quantum science and of quantum many-body systems, including Marcello Dalmonte and Antonello Scardicchio, for example. There is a lively community of researchers and a very nice atmosphere, which are what allow ICTP to attract so many visitors and associates from all over the world.

The United Nations proclaimed 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to highlight its role in tackling global challenges. Why is it important that non-specialists engage with quantum science?

Quantum mechanics underpins many everyday technologies, from smartphones and computers to MRI scans used for medical imaging. Just like understanding basic politics or economics helps us make informed decisions, having a fundamental grasp of science is crucial in today’s world. Understanding the scientific approach and the way science develops is probably even more crucial than to understand a specific topic. In the case of quantum mechanics, which has already entered our daily life and will most probably have an even greater role in the future, it is essential that the scientific community makes an effort to make it more understandable, in order to give everyone the opportunity to appreciate the world that surrounds us and the changes that quantum technology will bring.

On which one of the urgent challenges that the world is facing nowadays do you think that quantum science and technology will have the highest impact, and how?

This is difficult for me to tell. Certainly, the sector where quantum technology has made the most spectacular advancements is quantum communication, and I imagine that this is where we will see the greatest progress in the short term. The communication technologies we use in our daily lives still exchange and store information expressed as series of zeros (0) and ones (1), through classical channels. Quantum communication will use qubits—units of information that can exist in multiple states at once—and will allow for new, secure and faster ways of transferring information. Applications range from quantum cryptography – which will help us encrypt and transfer information more safely-- to quantum teleportation— which will enable secure data transmission. Small-scale realisations of these phenomena have already been done in experiments, which makes me think that we are close to seeing their application also in our daily lives.
Then there is of course quantum computing, but there are also many other interesting technologies underway. An example is sensing, which is the possibility to use quantum entanglement to get access to measurements on smaller and smaller scales, which will have an important impact, for example in medicine.

You are co-chair of the steering committee of the International Year of Quantum; what is your role exactly?

The steering committee of the IYQ has been tasked with overseeing key events and initiatives for the IYQ, including the opening ceremony that took place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on 4 February. We are also working on an exciting closing ceremony, and will soon be able to share more information about it.

What type of impact do you expect from this initiative?

If it is true that quantum technologies are going to revolutionise our everyday lives, there is a strong fear, especially in developing countries, that these advances will increase the technological divide between countries that already have the knowledge and the skills needed to effectively handle these technologies, and countries that don’t. The IYQ is meant to create the necessary conditions for an honest discussion on these issues. This is all the more important as the discoveries and the technology we are referring to are still being developed, which leaves us room for change. The panels on science policy that took place at the IYQ’s opening ceremony emphasized how, differently from other technologies, those related to quantum mechanics are often perceived as mysterious, which can lead to unnecessary fear or misunderstanding. It is important that an initiative like the IYQ addresses these fears, especially among younger generations.

Which IYQ initiative are you most looking forward to?

The beauty of the IYQ is that it’s not just about a few big events, it’s about a whole range of activities, from scientific lectures and conferences, to events mixing art, in all its forms, and science. Many proposals have been submitted and we expect thousands such events taking place across the world, that will help us reach out to a very large audience.

ICTP is organising a major event at the end of May. Can you give us some details about it?

We are excited about the partnership with Sāo Paulo University, Accademia dei Lincei--Italy’s national science academy-- and the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), to organize a one-week global event for the IYQ.
The highlight of the week will be a special conference titled “Quantum Physics: from Foundations to Emerging Technologies”, taking place here in Trieste from 28 to 30 May, for which we have an incredible lineup of speakers. Additionally, we are planning an outreach event in downtown Trieste, along with a special panel discussion designed to engage a broader audience. We hope to welcome many participants to Trieste and to ICTP!