Hands-on demonstrations of quantum entanglement, role-playing diplomacy games, continental-scale shindigs, and more activities for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) are coming into focus. Last June, the United Nations declared 2025 the IYQ; since then, scientists, educators, and science lovers have been buzzing with ideas for how to celebrate the past century of quantum physics and its applications and look ahead to the next one.
The UN imprimatur lends visibility and legitimacy to efforts to raise awareness about quantum science and technology. It also comes with a commitment to the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals—affordable and clean energy, quality education, and gender equality, to name a few. Many quantum-related activities are underway independent of the IYQ, says Enrica Porcari, head of CERN’s IT department and a member of the IYQ steering committee. But the IYQ will “turbocharge” efforts, she says. “I think 2025 will see an explosion...
