Developing Quantum Science – Geneva Quantum Centre receives strategic funding from FUNIGE
The challenges associated with the emergence of quantum technologies are considerable, spanning societal and economic issues as well as security, cybersecurity and sovereignty. Having already profoundly transformed our daily lives, quantum sciences are now entering a new era at the University of Geneva (UNIGE). Thanks to the support of the Fondation de l’Université de Genève (FUNIGE), the Geneva Quantum Centre (GQC) is launching a new dynamic aimed at pushing the boundaries of quantum research and advancing the concepts and technologies that will shape the world of tomorrow.
The GQC, an intrafaculty centre within the Faculty of Science at UNIGE, brings together the activities of around twenty research groups within the Physics Section working in the fields of quantum science and technology.
Its ambition is to develop internationally competitive research programmes in still-unexplored areas, while training future generations of researchers and engineers. The Centre also aims to provide the knowledge needed to inform policymaking and to carry out outreach activities, in line with the growing interest among students and the general public, as well as the increasing commitment of industry and other institutions.
The CHF 9.5 million funding awarded by FUNIGE over a five-year period will enable the GQC to launch several major strategic projects.
In particular, the GQC will build on Geneva’s recognised excellence in quantum research through five collaborative projects structured around three main areas: quantum materials, quantum communication and quantum simulation. Each project will bring together several research groups from the Centre. These projects aim to open up new avenues of research at the intersection of the areas of expertise represented at UNIGE. They offer a unique opportunity to explore new fields of research, such as the development of quantum materials with functionalities specifically designed for quantum communication and sensing, thereby paving the way for new technological advances.
To support the development and excellence of these initiatives, the GQC will renew some of the cutting-edge infrastructure used by its research teams, establish new laboratories and attract leading scientists.
Professors Alberto Morpurgo and Nicolas Brunner, co-directors of the Centre, explain: “This support gives the Geneva Quantum Centre the means to take a major new step forward. It will enable us to bring together the outstanding expertise present in Geneva around ambitious projects that will foster the emergence of a genuine quantum ecosystem combining fundamental research, innovation and education.”
Because the future of the field is also being shaped by younger generations, an ambitious educational programme will be established to raise awareness of quantum science and technology and train future engineers and researchers. It will be based on close collaboration with HEPIA, HES-SO Geneva. At UNIGE, this momentum is already well underway with the creation, three years ago, of a Master’s programme dedicated to quantum science. It will also continue through close collaboration with students, notably through the Quantum Club.
“For the Faculty of Science, this investment represents a tremendous opportunity to consolidate a field in which Geneva has recognised expertise, while preparing for the future by bringing together cutting-edge research, infrastructure and the training of the next generation, and by sustainably strengthening Geneva’s position in quantum science,” explains Costanza Bonadonna, Dean of the Faculty of Science.
Through these projects, the GQC aims to contribute to the international profile and visibility of research in this field, strengthen expertise and foster dialogue between the scientific community, institutions, industry and society.
