Successful quantum research: EU funds innovative projects with millions!

Successful quantum research: EU funds innovative projects with millions!

Dr. César Cabrera Córdova, an experimental physicist at the University of Hamburg, recently received a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). The funding of 1.9 million euros supports him in investigating fundamental mechanisms of superconductivity and developing innovative perspectives for quantum technologies. Dr. Cabrera Córdova has been in the working group of Prof. Dr. since 2022. Henning Moritz worked at the Institute for Quantum Physics and in the Cluster of Excellence “CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter”.

In addition to his current research, he coordinates the CUI Graduate School. The path to this prestigious grant led him from his position as a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics in Munich, where he developed a quantum gas microscope that enabled the imaging and control of individual atoms. Previously, he completed his doctorate at ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences in Barcelona and conducted groundbreaking experiments in quantum simulation with ultracold atoms.

New impulses in molecular physics

Another notable award was received by Dr. Stefan Troupe, the group leader of the “Cold and Ultracold Molecules” research group Fritz Haber Institute. He was also awarded an ERC Starting Grant worth 1.9 million euros over five years. Dr. Troupe has already done fundamental work for his “Cold Molecules for Fundamental Physics” (CoMoFun) project. The goal is to produce a quantum gas from polar molecules that are cooled to ultra-low temperatures of just a millionth of a degree above absolute zero.

By cooling the molecules, they slow down and enable more precise physical investigations. The project will explore the behavior of molecules in the “quantum regime,” which will allow new quantum effects to become visible. This research could be crucial to understanding high-temperature superconductivity and exotic forms of magnetism. Dr. Troupe studied physics at the University of Vienna and received his doctorate at Imperial College London before moving to the Fritz Haber Institute in 2017.

Europe's quantum strategy until 2030

In parallel to these developments, the European Commission presented a comprehensive quantum strategy that aims to position Europe as a global leader in the quantum sector by 2030. The strategy aims to promote a resilient and sovereign quantum ecosystem that aims to transform both start-ups and scientific advances into market-ready applications. By 2040, the quantum sector in the European Union is expected to create thousands of highly skilled jobs and reach a total value of over 155 billion euros.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President, underlined the need to maintain Europe's leadership in the quantum space. The Quantum Europe strategy covers five main areas: research and innovation, quantum infrastructures, ecosystem strengthening, space and dual-use technologies and quantum skills. In addition, a research and innovation initiative will be launched, which includes, among other things, 50 million euros for quantum chip pilot lines and the development of a quantum technology roadmap in space.