Center for Quantum Science, Education and Technology (Q-SET) [in the process of being established]

The (virtual) center "Q-SET" [in the process of being established] acts as an interface between the fields of Quantum Science, Education & Technology. Led by Physics, it brings together many interdisciplinary contributions from other departments and research areas such as Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, but also Philosophy, History of Science, and General Education Sciences extending beyond STEM subjects. Q-SET [in the process of being established] particularly strengthens, intensifies, and consolidates activities within the research profile within the Emerging Field “Quantum Science, Education and Technology” at the University of Münster.

Technological advancements driven by quantum science represent one of the major challenges of our time. To establish future quantum technologies in society, acceptance must be created, requiring specifically trained professionals in science and industry. In Münster, this aim will be achieved by harmonizing comprehensive academic education, cutting-edge research in quantum science and technology, and their societal communication – developing a profile that is widely visible. Successful and diverse research activities in various institutes within the Department of Physics and beyond benefit from the modern research infrastructure of the University of Münster. Notable highlights include the research centers CeNTech and SoN, the Münster Nanofabrication Facility (MNF) for experimental research, and the high-performance computing resources of PALMA for theoretical studies. Research areas span from photonic, solid-state based, and superconducting platforms to hybrid approaches. Q-SET [in the process of being established] aims to build interdisciplinary research collaborations, leveraging strong national networks such as EIN Quantum NRW and close international cooperations, particularly with the University of Twente and in East Asia.

As a first initiative, the center will establish an interdisciplinary lecture series to kickstart broad education covering foundational quantum physics and data science to insights into career perspectives and including science communication. This series is currently being expanded to 15 other university/city locations, coordinated within the Qubit-Edu network (qubit-edu.de) and strengthened through joint third-party funding projects.

A unique strength of the Münster location lies in its pre-existing interface function: under the roof of the Department of Physics, fundamental questions in quantum science and applications of quantum technology are combined with the broader context of other disciplines and a societal perspective.

The official founding is scheduled to take place in 2026.

Further information about the Emerging Field "Quantum Science, Education and Technology" at the University of Münster can be found here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/forschung/impact-areas/en/conceptual-foundations-and-emerging-technologies/Quantum-Science-Education-and-Technology.html