#IYQ2025

100 YEARS OF QUANTUM
IS JUST THE BEGINNING

🧬 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology – IYQ2025

100 Years of Quantum Is Just the Beginning

In 2025, the world celebrates the centennial of quantum mechanics—a scientific revolution that began in 1925 and reshaped our understanding of the universe. Quantum science laid the foundation for many of today’s essential technologies and continues to open new frontiers in computing, communication, medicine, and more.

Recognizing its transformative power, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025). This global initiative aims to raise awareness of quantum science, highlight its role in sustainable development, and foster international collaboration in this critical field.

🌍 Why Celebrate Quantum Now?

The declaration of IYQ2025 aligns with key global priorities:

  • It marks 100 years since the birth of quantum mechanics, pioneered by scientists like Heisenberg, Schrödinger, and Born.
  • It emphasizes the role of quantum science and technology in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—from clean energy and secure communications to advanced healthcare and climate action.
  • It highlights the importance of basic science within the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033).

    The initiative is supported by major scientific organizations, including IUPAP, IUPAC, IUCr, and IUHPST, and was co-sponsored by over 70 countries, representing more than 5 billion people.

🔎 What Is IYQ2025?

IYQ2025 is a year-long, worldwide celebration that invites scientists, educators, students, institutions, and the general public to explore and promote the relevance of quantum science in our daily lives.

Organized with the leadership of UNESCO, IYQ2025 aims to:

  • Increase global awareness of quantum science and its impact.
  • Foster scientific cooperation and education.
  • Inspire the next generation—especially women and underrepresented groups—to pursue careers in quantum-related fields.
  • Encourage innovation and ensure equitable access to quantum technologies worldwide.

💡 Learn more at quantum2025.org

⚛️ What Is Quantum Science and Technology?

Quantum science studies how matter and energy behave at the smallest scales—atoms, photons, and subatomic particles—revealing bizarre but powerful phenomena like superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunneling.

Quantum technologies harness these effects to unlock breakthroughs across multiple domains:

  • Quantum Computing: Solving complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
  • Quantum Communications: Providing unbreakable encryption for secure data transmission.
  • Quantum Sensing: Enabling ultra-precise diagnostics and imaging in medicine and materials science.


From cryptography to climate modeling, quantum technologies are poised to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

🛰️ PCRL and Quantum Communications

At the Photonics Communications Research Laboratory (PCRL) of the National Technical University of Athens, we proudly contribute to advancing quantum communication technologies as part of Europe’s strategic efforts in the field.

Our research focuses on:

  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): A secure method for distributing encryption keys based on quantum principles.
  • Photonic integration: Designing compact and efficient quantum communication platforms using integrated optics.
  • Free-space, satellite, and fiber-based quantum networks, supporting both entanglement-based and prepare-and-measure protocols.


PCRL has played a key role in several EU-funded projects:

  • 🧩 UNIQORN – Enabling miniaturized and scalable quantum systems.
  • 🇬🇷 HellasQCI – Building Greece’s quantum communication infrastructure.
  • 🔐 QSNP – Advancing pan-European quantum secure networks.
  • 🌐 LaiQa – Creating hybrid quantum-classical Internet architectures.

Our mission aligns closely with IYQ2025: to build secure, resilient communication systems that serve society while contributing to scientific progress.

📣 Join Us in Celebrating IYQ2025

As a proud supporter of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, PCRL will participate in a series of events and initiatives throughout 2025. We invite collaborators, students, and the public to engage with our work and join us in exploring the future of quantum.

Stay tuned for updates, talks, and educational content throughout the year.

🎉 Quantum science changed the world. The next 100 years start now.

Invited Talk by Dr Jasminder Sidhu – “Global Range Quantum Networking >>