Welcome to the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

UNESCO opening ceremony to launch global celebration

The American Physical Society is excited to welcome you to the launch of the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), marked by the Feb. 4-5, 2025 IYQ opening ceremony at the Paris, France headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

A delegation of APS leaders will represent the Society at the Paris event, where APS 2025 President and quantum scientist John Doyle will be a featured speaker. The opening ceremony will explore the role of quantum science and technology in addressing global challenges through discussions with esteemed scientists, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers. Attendees can also enjoy an exhibition that will showcase quantum science and technology displays from leading companies, organizations, and local artists. UNESCO will livestream the event on its website.

IYQ, a year-long, worldwide celebration to raise public awareness of the importance and impact of quantum science and its applications on all aspects of life, marks 100 years of quantum mechanics. The IYQ initiative will be global in its reach, scope, and impact, and will feature celebrations, recognitions, and opportunities for engagement and education throughout the world. The international year was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly and will be implemented and led by UNESCO.

APS is an IYQ founding partner, and has worked closely with UNESCO as the organization’s IYQ secretariat, commissioning IYQ observance events and programs, as well as coordinating and promoting those of partner organizations. The Society is sponsoring activities to mark IYQ throughout 2025, and will offer numerous ways for the physics community to engage in the global celebration and learn more about quantum science and technology. These include a high-profile QuantumFest event in conjunction with the APS 2025 Global Physics Summit in Anaheim, California in March of 2025.