Science up close: Ulm lecture series on quantum and surgery!

Science up close: Ulm lecture series on quantum and surgery!

Ulm University is setting new standards in quantum research and is presenting itself with its upcoming lecture series “Experience Knowledge – Ulm University in the City Center”. This series of lectures is an initiative of the Ulm University Society (UUG) and aims to bring current research projects closer to the public in an understandable form. In the 32nd edition of this series, which will take place in May, participants can expect exciting topics such as the possibilities of quantum technology, Ulm University's excellence strategy and digital support approaches in surgery.

The lectures take place on three Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. in the Sparkasse Ulm at Hans-und-Sophie-Scholl-Platz. Admission is free, which makes the event particularly attractive for the population. On May 3rd, Prof. Dr. Martin B. Plenio, Director of the Institute for Theoretical Physics, will speak about quantum technology in medical imaging. A week later, on May 10th, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Weber, President of Ulm University, raises the question of whether the university can follow the path to becoming a university of excellence. The series concludes on May 17th with a lecture by Prof. Dr. med. Florian Gebhard, who will work on digital support in surgery. These events not only provide information, but also promote exchange between the university and society.

Role of the university in quantum research

The lecture series is part of Ulm University's comprehensive commitment to quantum research, which is also recognized by numerous political representatives. Science Minister Petra Olschowski visited the university on June 6th to find out about its role and research activities in the field of quantum mechanics. The university is a founding member of the state initiative QuantumBW and plays a central role in the development of young technologies such as quantum computers, which have important applications in magnetic resonance imaging, GPS navigation and tap-proof communication.

During her visit, Olschowski was received by Prof. Joachim Ankerhold, spokesman for the QuantumBW innovation campus. Prof. Ankerhold presented various research projects that are also integrated into quantum research. Outreach activities include student labs and science slams to encourage young people's interest in science and technology. In addition, the new master's program “Quantum Engineering” was presented, which is intended to train specialists and managers for science and the growing industry in the field of quantum technology.

Financing and future prospects

The state government is providing significant support for the development of these innovative technologies by providing around 32 million euros for the QuantumBW innovation campus from 2023 to 2027. This ensures that Ulm University and its partners remain at the forefront of quantum research and can make significant progress. The recently opened Center for Quantum Biosciences (ZQB) focuses on the development of quantum sensing in medical diagnostics and materials science, a promising research direction that is of great importance for both science and industry.

Overall, Ulm University shows that it not only plays an important role in the academic world, but also actively involves the population and the economy in the developments of modern research. The upcoming lectures are an ideal platform to promote dialogue between science and society.