Experimental set-up using synthetic diamonds, which can serve as high-tech building blocks for quantum computers.

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology joins IQST as a new partner

November 27, 2024, Nr. 39

For the past ten years, IQST has been at the forefront of interdisciplinary research in quantum science and technology. The world-renowned centre, co-founded by the University of Stuttgart, will now be strengthened by KIT as a new partner.
[Picture: Universität Ulm / Karolina Schüle]

The mission of IQST is to further our understanding of nature and develop innovative technologies based on quantum science by leveraging synergies between the natural sciences, engineering, and life sciences. "Many KIT scientists already successfully support IQST with their expertise as Fellows. All the more I am pleased that the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is now joining our interdisciplinary centre as an institution," says IQST Director Prof. Stefanie Barz. "This will strengthen networking within the academic quantum community in Baden-Württemberg," emphasizes Barz, an expert in quantum information and quantum technology from the Institute for Functional Matter and Quantum Technologies (FQM) at the University of Stuttgart.

Focus on applications

IQST scientists collaborate on innovative research in quantum science and explore applications that will benefit society. "Although quantum technologies still require significant basic research, the focus on applications is becoming increasingly important," explains physicist Prof. Fedor Jelezko, IQST Director and Head of the Institute of Quantum Optics at the University of Ulm. "KIT joining IQST decisively strengthens this centre of excellence in quantum science in Baden-Württemberg," Jelezko continues. Among other things, quantum technologies will make sensors for manufacturing and medical technology more precise and efficient, ensure secure communication channels, and enhance high-performance computing. Promising areas of application are already emerging, particularly in sensor technology and communications.

 

The IQST team represents world-leading interdisciplinary research in quantum science and technology.
The IQST team represents world-leading interdisciplinary research in quantum science and technology.

Bundled competence in quantum research

"By joining the network, KIT scientists will become part of an established research network in quantum technologies in Baden-Württemberg," explains chemist Prof. Mario Ruben from the Institute of Quantum Materials and Technologies (IQMT) at KIT. KIT's profile in the field of quantum technologies, in particular with its focus on molecular and superconducting quantum bits, fits in very well with the activities developed by IQST over the last ten years.

Joint Cluster of Excellence initiative Chem4Quant

KIT and the Universities of Stuttgart and Ulm are also pooling their expertise in quantum research through the joint Cluster of Excellence initiative "Chem4Quant" which focuses on molecular quantum systems, a new area of quantum technologies. This rapidly developing branch of science complements the expertise developed at IQST over the past decade and is expected to further strengthen Baden-Württemberg's globally leading position in the quantum sciences.

At IQST, top international young scientists learn about milestones in quantum research.
At IQST, top international young scientists learn about milestones in quantum research.

Open to the research community and young talents

Key objectives for the growing IQST include the development of a new interdisciplinary understanding of quantum systems, the use of quantum technologies to solve major societal challenges, and the communication of these advances to the public. IQST is open to researchers from across Baden-Württemberg. In addition, the centre is dedicated to promoting young scientists through Master's, graduate and postdoctoral programmes. For example, at the beginning of 2025 eleven doctoral projects will start at the IQST Graduate School school @QuantumBW.

About the IQST and quantum technologies in Baden-Württemberg

IQST was founded in 2014 on the initiative of Prof. Wolfgang Schleich (University of Ulm) and Prof. Tilman Pfau (University of Stuttgart). In addition to the Universities of Stuttgart and Ulm, the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI-FKF) in Stuttgart is its third founding member. The centre is funded by its partner institutions, the Carl Zeiss Foundation, and the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Württemberg (MWK). MWK funded the entire centre from 2014 to 2019 and again from July 2024 through the IQST Graduate School @QuantumBW. As part of the Baden-Württemberg innovation campus “QuantumBW”, which aims to bring quantum technologies to market maturity, IQST connects the scientific “quantum community” and forms its academic platform. It is also part of the nationwide Quantum Alliance network.

Strategic profile area Quantum Technologies

Expert Contact:

Prof. Stefanie Barz, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Functional Matter and Quantum Technologies (FMQ), Tel.: +49 711 685-61556, e-mail

Prof. Fedor Jelezko, University of Ulm, Institute of Quantum Optics, Tel.: +49 731 50-15700, e-mail

Prof. Mario Ruben, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Quantum Materials and Technologies, Tel.: +49 721 608-26781, e-mail

The IQST Website

High-resolution press photos:

Image 1: Experimental set-up using synthetic diamonds, which can serve as high-tech building blocks for quantum computers. Credits: Universität Ulm / Karolina Schüle

Image 2: The IQST team represents world-leading interdisciplinary research in quantum science and technology. Credits: IQST / Jan Will

Image 3: At IQST, top international young scientists learn about milestones in quantum research. Credits: Universität Stuttgart / Ludmilla Parsyak / Gabriel Parsyak

Contact

This image shows Jutta Witte

Jutta Witte

Dr.

Scientific Consultant

 

University Communications

Keplerstraße 7, 70174 Stuttgart

To the top of the page