Eucor starts international quantum funding: 12 million euros for doctoral students!

Eucor starts international quantum funding: 12 million euros for doctoral students!

The European Commission recently approved Eucor – The European Campus’ application for the innovative “Gen-Q” training program. With funding of over 12 million euros, the program is intended to enable 51 doctoral students to receive international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral training in quantum sciences and technologies. This decision marks a significant step in promoting quantum research in Europe and is supported by several renowned universities.

What is particularly noteworthy is that a total of eleven positions for doctoral students are to be set up at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The program runs for five years and is supported not only by universities in Germany, but also in France and Switzerland. The participating institutions include the universities of Basel, Freiburg, Haute-Alsace, Strasbourg and the KIT, supplemented by partner institutions in Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Poznań (Poland). KIT.

Goals and priorities of the program

The “Gen-Q” program focuses on several key challenges in quantum research. These include overcoming interference in quantum devices, increasing the complexity of qubits and sensors, and developing quantum hardware and software. The focus was also on hybrid computing solutions. The young scientists have the opportunity to choose between the different locations and work together with industrial partners in the region. The training is intended to make a significant contribution to overcoming future challenges in quantum science and technology Eucor.

The “Gen-Q” program builds on years of collaboration as part of the expiring doctoral program QUSTEC, which has already laid the foundation for many of the scientists involved. It also strengthens the network's strategic focus on “quantum science and technologies”, a core area of ​​current research efforts in Europe Eucor.

Financing and participation

The financing of the program consists of several components. 6 million euros will flow from the European Union, while the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) will contribute 2 million euros. The participating universities also contribute to co-financing. This funding comes from the EU research framework program “Horizon Europe”, specifically from the Marie Skłodowska Curie “COFUND” funding line, which aims to support the mobility of scientists.

In the eternal pursuit of increased international cooperation, Eucor was founded in 2015, the first European grouping of territorial cooperation consisting exclusively of universities. This initiative sustainably promotes young academics in quantum research and prepares them for the challenges of the future.

Overall, the “Gen-Q” program represents an important initiative to further advance academic exchange and research in the field of quantum sciences and to offer young talents a comprehensive education.