Celebrating 100 Years of Quantum Science

Welcome to Celebrating 100 Years of Quantum Science, a special event hosted by NexQT to honour a century of groundbreaking achievements in quantum mechanics and the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025). This event will bring together leading scientists, researchers and students from around the world to reflect on the past and drive future developments in quantum science.

Despite having been developed merely a century ago, quantum mechanics is a cornerstone of modern physics. Known for its remarkable precision, quantum theory explains nearly every observed physical phenomenon while challenging our understanding of reality, locality and the nature of the universe.

Over the past fifty years, the unique properties of quantum systems—such as superposition, entanglement and contextuality—have sparked a second quantum revolution, known as Quantum 2.0. This revolution has transformed information theory and fueled ambitious global initiatives to develop quantum technologies, unlocking new capabilities in sensing, communication and computation.

To mark this historic milestone, NexQT proudly presents a school, and workshops focused on advancing quantum education and research.

The price of the conference is CAD 242.19.

This exciting event promises to host:

• Over 40 distinguished speakers: leading experts from Israel, Germany, the UK, the USA and Canada will share their latest insights.
• Workshops and lectures: learn about recent innovations and applications in quantum science through presentations, discussions and opportunities for the next generation of researchers to highlight their work.
• Networking opportunities: connect with a global community of quantum researchers, industry professionals and fellow enthusiasts. 

The topics covered include:

• AI-inspired quantum science
• Attosecond science and nonlinear dynamics
• Foundations of quantum mechanics
• Quantum computing
• Quantum communications
• Quantum sensing
• Quantum photonics
• Matter waves

The event speakers and program will feature:

• Invited lecturers: renowned physicists will discuss their pioneering contributions to quantum science (see the list below).
• Panel discussions: examine the societal and technological impacts of quantum innovations.
• Short presentations for early-career researchers and students
• Information on cutting-edge applications of quantum mechanics in technology and research.
• A poster session through which students can present and exchange findings in an interactive setting. 

Here is a list of confirmed invited speakers:

• Prof. Ady Arie (Tel Aviv University)
• Prof. Yakir Aharonov (Chapman University)
• Prof. Sir Michael Berry (University of Bristol)
• Prof. Ravi Bhardwaj (University of Ottawa)
• Prof. Robert Boyd (University of Ottawa)
• Prof. Yaron Bromberg (Hebrew University)
• Prof. Maria Chekhova (Max-Planck Institute for the Science of Light)
• Prof. Eli Cohen (Bar Ilan University)
• Prof. Paul Corkum (University of Ottawa)
• Prof. Stefanie Czischek (University of Ottawa)
• Prof. Hagai Eisenberg (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
• Prof. Hanieh Fattahi (Max-Planck Institute for the Science of Light)
• Prof. Marco Genovese (Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica)
• Prof. Khabat Heshami (National Research Council Canada)
• Prof. Ido Kaminer (Technion – Israel Institute of Technology)
• Prof. Ofer Kfir (Tel Aviv University)
• Prof. Gerd Leuchs (Max-Planck Institute for the Science of Light)
• Prof. Lora Ramunno (University of Ottawa)
• Prof. Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop (The University of Queensland)
• Prof. Miles Padgett (University of Glasgow)
• Prof. Avi Pe’er (Bar-Ilan University)
• Prof. Friedemann Reinhard (University of Rostock)
• Prof. Yoav Sagi (Technion – Israel Institute of Technology)
• Prof. Stefan Scheel (University of Rostock)
• Prof. Sharon Shwartz (Bar-Ilan University)
• Prof. André Staudte (National Research Council Canada)
• Prof. Haim Suchowski (Tel Aviv University)
• Prof. Ben Sussman (National Research Council Canada)
• Prof. Lev Vaidman (Tel Aviv University)

(Note that although we invited several leading scientists from underrepresented groups, none were available during this period.) 

Conference chair:
Professor Ebrahim Karimi (University of Ottawa)

Organizers:
Tara Dachek (University of Ottawa)
Prof. Ebrahim Karimi (University of Ottawa)