Quantum Science for All: Celebrating 100 Years of Discovery in 2025
Celebrating 2025: The International Year of Quantum Begins
As we usher in 2025, recognized globally as the International Year of Quantum (IYQ), we begin a journey through the eight core principles that have shaped a hundred years of groundbreaking discoveries in quantum science. At the heart of this series is perhaps the most fundamental idea: quantum science belongs to everyone.
The Principle Stated
The IYQ sets the tone with its official declaration:
“Quantum science is not the property of any one person, nation, institution, or discipline—it is a body of knowledge meant to be accessible to all. The IYQ honors those dedicated to exploring, advancing, applying, and teaching quantum science and technology, and welcomes curiosity from anyone eager to understand it.”
This is more than just an idealistic statement—it reflects the collaborative and inclusive spirit that has driven the field since its inception. But what does this mean practically, especially as we celebrate a century since the birth of quantum mechanics?
A Collective Achievement
Quantum theory didn’t emerge from a single mind but from the shared efforts of many brilliant thinkers. In July 1925, Werner Heisenberg released a pivotal paper that laid the groundwork for quantum mechanics. Not long after, he collaborated with Max Born and Pascual Jordan to publish what became known as the “Three-Man Paper.” Their work drew heavily on earlier insights—from Max Planck’s theories to Albert Einstein’s photoelectric effect, Niels Bohr’s atomic model, and Louis de Broglie’s hypothesis of matter waves.
The development of quantum mechanics was deeply collaborative, shaped through correspondence, discussions, and debates among physicists across Europe—including Germany, Denmark, Austria, France, and the Netherlands. Events like the Solvay Conferences, starting in 1911, epitomized this cross-border intellectual exchange, bringing together scientists from different countries—even those in political conflict—to explore quantum theory’s most challenging questions. The iconic photograph from the 1927 Fifth Solvay Conference is a testament to this spirit of cooperation.
Quantum Science Today: A Shared Endeavor
One hundred years later, the global spirit of quantum research remains strong. Initiatives such as the European Quantum Flagship, the U.S. National Quantum Initiative, China’s national programs, and international collaborations exemplify this continued unity in pursuit of quantum progress.
Even in the competitive world of quantum technology, many companies champion openness. They offer open-source platforms, cloud access to quantum processors, and widely available educational materials. This allows students, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide to experiment and learn—no matter their location or resources. Whether it's a student in rural India or a professor in California, access to cutting-edge tools is increasingly democratized.
Why This Principle Matters
The assertion that quantum science isn’t owned by anyone is not just an ethical stance—it’s also a practical one. Solving the complex puzzles of quantum mechanics requires diverse perspectives and cross-disciplinary input. Progress accelerates when insights from various scientific domains intersect freely.
As quantum technologies near real-world application—from ultra-secure communication systems to revolutionary computing platforms—there is a growing risk that companies or countries may seek to monopolize knowledge. The IYQ’s first principle serves as a powerful reminder: although specific tools or devices may be protected, the foundational science should remain universally accessible.
Keeping quantum science open ensures that talent from all corners of the globe can contribute. With access to shared knowledge, breakthroughs can come from anywhere—not just elite institutions or wealthy nations.
An Invitation to All
As we honor a century since the formal establishment of quantum mechanics, this principle—that no one owns quantum science—celebrates both the discipline’s rich collaborative past and its open, inclusive future. It’s a call for everyone to get involved, to learn, to question, and to contribute.
Whether you're a seasoned expert, a curious learner, or someone just discovering the wonders of quantum physics, this field is yours too. That’s the spirit of the International Year of Quantum’s first principle: a revolutionary science, filled with mystery and promise, belongs to us all.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll delve into the remaining seven principles guiding the IYQ, each highlighting a different facet of quantum science’s journey. But for now, let’s remember: the quantum realm is not owned by anyone—because it is a legacy shared by all of humanity.
As we usher in 2025, recognized globally as the International Year of Quantum (IYQ), we begin a journey through the eight core principles that have shaped a hundred years of groundbreaking discoveries in quantum science. At the heart of this series is perhaps the most fundamental idea: quantum science belongs to everyone.
The Principle Stated
The IYQ sets the tone with its official declaration:
“Quantum science is not the property of any one person, nation, institution, or discipline—it is a body of knowledge meant to be accessible to all. The IYQ honors those dedicated to exploring, advancing, applying, and teaching quantum science and technology, and welcomes curiosity from anyone eager to understand it.”
This is more than just an idealistic statement—it reflects the collaborative and inclusive spirit that has driven the field since its inception. But what does this mean practically, especially as we celebrate a century since the birth of quantum mechanics?
A Collective Achievement
Quantum theory didn’t emerge from a single mind but from the shared efforts of many brilliant thinkers. In July 1925, Werner Heisenberg released a pivotal paper that laid the groundwork for quantum mechanics. Not long after, he collaborated with Max Born and Pascual Jordan to publish what became known as the “Three-Man Paper.” Their work drew heavily on earlier insights—from Max Planck’s theories to Albert Einstein’s photoelectric effect, Niels Bohr’s atomic model, and Louis de Broglie’s hypothesis of matter waves.
The development of quantum mechanics was deeply collaborative, shaped through correspondence, discussions, and debates among physicists across Europe—including Germany, Denmark, Austria, France, and the Netherlands. Events like the Solvay Conferences, starting in 1911, epitomized this cross-border intellectual exchange, bringing together scientists from different countries—even those in political conflict—to explore quantum theory’s most challenging questions. The iconic photograph from the 1927 Fifth Solvay Conference is a testament to this spirit of cooperation.
Quantum Science Today: A Shared Endeavor
One hundred years later, the global spirit of quantum research remains strong. Initiatives such as the European Quantum Flagship, the U.S. National Quantum Initiative, China’s national programs, and international collaborations exemplify this continued unity in pursuit of quantum progress.
Even in the competitive world of quantum technology, many companies champion openness. They offer open-source platforms, cloud access to quantum processors, and widely available educational materials. This allows students, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide to experiment and learn—no matter their location or resources. Whether it's a student in rural India or a professor in California, access to cutting-edge tools is increasingly democratized.
Why This Principle Matters
The assertion that quantum science isn’t owned by anyone is not just an ethical stance—it’s also a practical one. Solving the complex puzzles of quantum mechanics requires diverse perspectives and cross-disciplinary input. Progress accelerates when insights from various scientific domains intersect freely.
As quantum technologies near real-world application—from ultra-secure communication systems to revolutionary computing platforms—there is a growing risk that companies or countries may seek to monopolize knowledge. The IYQ’s first principle serves as a powerful reminder: although specific tools or devices may be protected, the foundational science should remain universally accessible.
Keeping quantum science open ensures that talent from all corners of the globe can contribute. With access to shared knowledge, breakthroughs can come from anywhere—not just elite institutions or wealthy nations.
An Invitation to All
As we honor a century since the formal establishment of quantum mechanics, this principle—that no one owns quantum science—celebrates both the discipline’s rich collaborative past and its open, inclusive future. It’s a call for everyone to get involved, to learn, to question, and to contribute.
Whether you're a seasoned expert, a curious learner, or someone just discovering the wonders of quantum physics, this field is yours too. That’s the spirit of the International Year of Quantum’s first principle: a revolutionary science, filled with mystery and promise, belongs to us all.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll delve into the remaining seven principles guiding the IYQ, each highlighting a different facet of quantum science’s journey. But for now, let’s remember: the quantum realm is not owned by anyone—because it is a legacy shared by all of humanity.
Companies