New Directors and Executive Board Appointed at IQST
New Directors and Executive Board at IQST
IQST is pleased to announce the re-election of Stefanie Barz (UStutt) and Fedor Jelezko (UUlm) as Directors. We also warmly welcome the newly appointed members of the Executive Board:
Stefanie Barz (UStutt)
Ilia Polian (UStutt)
Fedor Jelezko (UUlm)
Martin Plenio (UUlm)
David Hunger (KIT)
Philip Willke (KIT)
Christian Ast (MPI)
This leadership team will continue to guide IQST’s mission of advancing the understanding of nature and developing innovative technologies from fundamental quantum physics. By fostering synergies between physicists, chemists, engineers, and life scientists, IQST supports interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific excellence, and the growth of its research programs.
The newly formed board will play a central role in shaping strategic initiatives, supporting research networks, and promoting outreach activities that connect quantum science with society.
IQST thanks all fellows who participated in the recent meeting and voting process, whose engagement is essential to shaping the center’s future.
Stay connected for updates on IQST’s research, programs, and events.
“Die Forschenden” – IQST-Funded Film to Premiere in Stuttgart
We are pleased to announce the premiere of the film Die Forschenden, developed with the support of IQST. Members of the IQST community are warmly invited to attend this special event in Stuttgart.
In Die Forschenden, an impending retirement professor and his doctoral candidate strive to achieve the discovery of the century—a room-temperature superconductor. The short film explores themes of ambition, scientific passion, and generational perspectives in research.
The evening will begin with a reception featuring complimentary drinks in the foyer, followed by the screening of the film in Room 17.01 at Keplerstraße 17, Stuttgart. The event takes place on August 15 and starts at 19:00, running until approximately 20:30. After the screening, the audience will have the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with the cast and crew.
To ensure that IQST researchers can sit together in a reserved area, we are offering free seat reservations for those who register by August 11. After this date, attendance is still possible, but seating will be open on a first-come, first-served basis.
We look forward to seeing many of you there and celebrating this exciting collaboration!
IQST Workshop at KIT Marks a Milestone in Network Expansion
On July 11, 2025, the IQST community gathered at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) for the first IQST workshop hosted at our partner institution. The event celebrated the growing collaboration with KIT, which officially joined IQST in 2024.
The workshop featured presentations from prospective IQST Fellows, covering topics such as superconducting quantum circuits, quantum materials, nanophotonics, and quantum communication. It was a vibrant day of scientific exchange, networking, and discussions on future initiatives within the IQST framework.
With KIT now fully integrated into the IQST network, our shared mission to drive quantum science forward through interdisciplinary collaboration gains even more momentum. “This will strengthen networking within the academic quantum community in Baden-Württemberg,” said IQST Director Prof. Stefanie Barz.
We’re excited about what lies ahead with KIT as an active contributor to IQST’s vision and scientific excellence
Quantum Science for Everyone: IQST at the Final Evening of “Physik – Die Wissen schafft”
On Monday, July 7, the Department of Physics at the University of Stuttgart concluded its public lecture series “Physik – Die Wissen schafft” with a well-attended and engaging evening focused on quantum technologies — proudly supported by IQST.
The event featured a public lecture by Prof. Dr. Stefanie Barz, Director of IQST and Professor at the Institute for Functional Matter and Quantum Technologies. In her talk, “Licht & Quanten: Von abhörsicherer Kommunikation bis zum Quantencomputer”, she guided the audience through the fascinating potential of quantum physics, from secure communication to the possibilities of quantum computing.
Following the lecture, visitors gathered in the foyer of lecture hall 47.02 for a quantum-themed exhibition and informal get-together. At the IQST booth, members of our community presented selected highlights from current research and chatted with guests over pretzels and drinks.
With over 170 registered participants and an enthusiastic atmosphere, the event marked a lively and memorable close to this successful lecture series — and highlighted the growing public interest in quantum science.
IQST Visit to the IBM Quantum Data Center in Ehningen
On July 10, 2025, a group of 40 IQST students and researchers had the unique opportunity to visit the IBM Quantum Data Center in Ehningen. The full-day event provided an in-depth look into IBM’s quantum computing activities and infrastructure, offering participants the chance to engage directly with experts from the IBM Quantum team.
The visit featured a series of technical presentations covering a range of topics including superconducting qubits, error correction and mitigation, hardware and software infrastructure, and near-term quantum algorithms. A highlight of the day was a live virtual session with IBM researchers from Zurich, contributing to the international scope of the discussions.
In addition to the scientific program, the group was introduced to IBM’s broader quantum roadmap and had the chance to network with members of the team. Throughout the day, participants also enjoyed informal discussions over refreshments provided on site.
The event was a valuable occasion to explore cutting-edge developments in the field and foster stronger connections between academic research and industrial innovation.
Lecture Series: “Physik – Die Wissen schafft” – Second Event Highlights
On June 5th, the second lecture of the public series “Physik – Die Wissen schafft” took place at the University of Stuttgart. Prof. Jörg Wrachtrup gave an engaging and accessible presentation titled “Genauer geht’s nicht! Wie Quantensensoren die Welt neu vermessen”, exploring how quantum sensors are revolutionizing our ability to measure and understand the world with unprecedented precision.
As with the first event, the evening featured a lively exhibition in the foyer of lecture hall 47.02. Visitors had the opportunity to interact with hands-on demonstrations and learn more about the latest developments in quantum science and technology. The event concluded with a relaxed reception over pretzels and drinks sponsored by IQST, providing a great space for informal exchange between scientists and the public.
We warmly thank all contributors and visitors for making this evening another successful step in our outreach journey.
Save the date: The third and final event of the series will take place on July 7th, once again in the same exciting format. A new, expanded exhibition will showcase even more partners and topics — from quantum networks and computing to cutting-edge sensor technology. Don’t miss it!
We warmly invite artists to apply for an exciting interdisciplinary exhibition at the Stadthaus Ulm!
“Quantum and Art in Ulm” is a unique project that bridges the worlds of science and art, offering you the chance to explore and interpret fascinating themes from quantum physics through your own creative and artistic expression.
Through engaging conversations with leading physicists and exclusive laboratory visits, you’ll gain deep insights into cutting-edge research, inspiring your artistic work.
Join this vibrant and innovative dialogue, and share your artistic perspective on the intriguing world of quantum physics with a broad audience!
The application deadline is June 15, 2025. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of an inspiring collaboration!
Successful Kick-off of the Public Lecture Series: “Physik, die Wissen schafft”
The first event of this year’s public lecture series “Physik, die Wissen schafft”, organized by the University of Stuttgart, took place on Monday, May 12 — and drew a fantastic crowd. Over 250 people attended the lecture — nearly double the number of registered participants.
Prof. Tilman Pfau, IQST Fellow and Director at the 5th Institute of Physics, delivered an engaging and insightful talk titled “Können Atome rechnen?” (Can Atoms Calculate?).
Alongside the lecture, IQST contributed with an exhibition booth, offering hands-on demos, posters, and even VR experiences. Visitors had the chance to interact with researchers and explore current developments in quantum science and technology in a lively and informal setting.
To round off the evening, IQST sponsored Brezeln and soft drinks, providing a relaxed atmosphere for conversation and networking.
We’re already looking forward to the next event in the series!
IQST PhD retreat 2025 – Science, Skills, and the Allgäu Alps
This year’s IQST PhD Retreat brought together around 50 early-stage researchers from across the IQST community for three days of learning, discussion, and networking in the stunning alpine surroundings of Söllerhaus in Kleinwalsertal, Austria.
The retreat offered a rich mix of scientific and professional development opportunities. Participants, who come from a wide range of disciplinary and international backgrounds, engaged in poster sessions, interactive workshop-style lectures by invited guests in the field of quantum science, and a soft-skills seminar on career planning after the PhD: “Choose the Right Path for You.”
A highlight of the program was the group hike, providing a relaxed and adventurous setting for informal exchange and community building. The combination of scientific input, career advice, and social activities created an inspiring environment for interdisciplinary networking and collaboration.
Thanks to all participants and speakers who made this retreat a memorable experience!
On June 28, the University of Stuttgart opens its doors to curious minds of all ages for the annual Tag der Wissenschaft (Science Day)— a day dedicated to exploring exciting developments in science and technology.
The Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology (IQST) will be present with an exhibition space at Pfaffenwaldring 53, promoting an open dialogue between science and society. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating world of quantum science and technology through a series of exhibits presented by the researchers of our community. They will offer a glimpse into cutting-edge quantum technologies and the research behind them.
Discover how quantum phenomena are shaping future technologies and join us in building a society that is not only quantum-ready — but quantum-curious!
