European Researchers’ Night 2024: From Schrödinger’s Cat to Complexity of Quantum Computers
On September 27, 2024, our team at QUTE.sk – National Center for Quantum Technologies had the pleasure of welcoming curious minds to explore the world of quantum technologies at European Researchers’ Night in Bratislava’s Stará Tržnica. It was an evening filled with wonder, learning, and experiences that brought the complexity of quantum science closer to the public. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds had the opportunity to see quantum phenomena in action and gain a deeper understanding of how these technologies will shape the future.
Our scientific booth was a bustling hub of activity, showcasing the world of quantum computing. Our researchers from the Research Center for Quantum Information (RCQI), Slovak Academy of Sciences, were on hand to explain and demonstrate how quantum computers solve complex problems that classical computers can only dream of tackling. With practical demonstrations and expert insights, we aimed to make quantum mechanics accessible to everyone, and the response from visitors was truly inspiring.
The day’s activities kicked off with the first interactive workshop, “Let’s Play with a Quantum Computer”, led by RNDr. Daniel Buchta, PhD. from Aricoma Slovakia, at the V-Klub. Students had the chance to play with fascinating phenomena of superposition and quantum entanglement through engaging examples, including the famous Schrödinger’s Cat paradox. Daniel’s energetic presentation and hands-on experiments made complex concepts like quantum computing fun and relatable, sparking curiosity in young minds about the possibilities that lie ahead in quantum technologies.
Later that day, RNDr. Daniel Reitzner, PhD. from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, delivered an enthralling lecture titled “Computational Complexity and Quantum Computers”. Addressing high school students, Daniel explored how quantum computers handle tasks deemed impossible by classical systems. He outlined key principles such as quantum superposition, entanglement and decoherence, and examined the real-world applications of these powerful machines. The talk was an eye-opener for many, offering a glimpse into how quantum computing is reshaping the landscape of computational science.
The excitement didn’t stop there! In the afternoon, Doc. Mgr. Mário Ziman, PhD., director of the Institute of Physics SAS, led another session of the “Let’s Play with a Quantum Computer” workshop. This time, the audience expanded to include both high school students and adults, eager to delve deeper into the wonders of quantum mechanics. The interactive nature of the workshop fostered an engaging environment where participants could ask questions, experiment with quantum systems, and see the future of technology unfold before their eyes.
In the evening, Natalia Salomé Móller, PhD., from RCQI, took the stage with her compelling talk, “Complexity: Our Situation Amid the Climate Crisis – A View from Four Scientific Fields”. Joined by other experts, Natalia used her expertise in quantum physics to offer a fresh perspective on how science can help us understand and tackle the pressing challenges of our time, including the ongoing climate crisis. Her thought-provoking presentation showed that quantum technologies are not only theoretical but can have profound impacts on our everyday lives and the global challenges we face.
Throughout the event, visitors had the chance to meet and interact with our brilliant team of researchers, who brought their passion and knowledge to every interaction, inspiring a new generation of quantum enthusiasts. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who visited our booth, attended our workshops, and shared in the excitement of discovery. Thank you once again and we look forward to seeing you at future activities and events!
In addition to the quantum-focused activities, an another accompanying event of the European Researchers’ Night is the exhibition Mirroring (Contemporary Environmental Dilemmas: Art x Science x Design) curated by Robert Paršo, Andrea Gogová, and Mária Beňačková Rišková. The exhibition explores the intersection of experimental design, new materials, and environmental challenges through an innovative art-science approach. Visitors will be introduced to the LOMA Material Library, a unique collection of over 50 samples of experimental materials from around the world, as well as a selection of collaborative art-science projects including the work of our colleague Diana Cencer Garafová, ArtD. in collaboration with Kelsey S. Brewer – Echoes of Distortion. Diana participated also in a curatorial talk on September 27, discussing how contemporary environmental issues are being addressed through creative and interdisciplinary approaches. The exhibition is opened from September 25 till October 13, 2024.
In 2025 we will be bringing even more activities to the public as part of the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technologies. For more information about our events, workshops, and inspiring talks please visit our website: www.qute.sk/events.
Photo: QUTE.sk – D. Cencer Garafová & P. Surovec, K. Gáliková, R. Paršo
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