Göttingen celebrates 100 years of quantum mechanics – a celebration of science!

Göttingen celebrates 100 years of quantum mechanics – a celebration of science!

On April 23, 2025, the University of Göttingen will highlight crucial developments in the field of quantum physics in its current issue of the newspaper uni|inform. This April issue includes an interview with university president Prof. Dr. Axel Schölmerich as well as difficult topics such as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, which was proclaimed by the United Nations. Göttingen, as the birthplace of quantum mechanics, plays a central role here and looks back on a long tradition and significant scientific contributions.

The university's Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP) is a key player in this area. The ITP advances education and research with a wide range of research activities, for example in the areas of quantum field theory and statistical physics. Historically, the work published by Werner Heisenberg at the ITP in 1925 is considered the birth of quantum mechanics, making the city of Göttingen an important location for both scientists and students.

Events focused on quantum science

As part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, various events will take place in Göttingen. These include special lectures within the Max Born Seminar Series, which invites international scientists to discuss the latest developments in quantum physics. These events reflect important discoveries made at the ITP in the 1920s and recognize the work of pioneering physicists such as Heisenberg, Max Born and Pascual Jordan.

In addition, the Knowledge Forum is organizing a special exhibition that illustrates the role of Göttingen as the cradle of quantum mechanics a century ago. This exhibition will survey the fundamentals of quantum physics and show their links to modern technologies such as lasers and MRI machines, which have become an integral part of our everyday lives today. The Göttingen research location thus shows its historical and current importance in physics.

Diverse supporting program

An extensive supporting program is planned to accompany the exhibition. These include a quantum quiz evening, a chanson evening in the style of the 1920s, as well as workshops for children and adults. The curators Dr. Ramona Dölling and Christine Nawa worked with students from the Max Planck and Otto Hahn high schools as well as students from the University of Göttingen on the participatory development of the exhibition, which underlines the interactive approach.

In addition, the Faculty of Physics, led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Kehrein, these initiatives to raise awareness of quantum physics and promote knowledge transfer. The German Physical Society e. V., the oldest and largest physics society in the world, is also committed to supporting young scientists and promoting equal opportunities.

The next issue of uni|inform will be published in October 2025. Those interested can register for a printed version to follow the latest developments at the University of Göttingen. Further information and registration options are available via the university press office.

These initiatives and events illustrate Göttingen's vibrant research culture and important role in the history and future of quantum physics uni-goettingen.de, theory.physik.uni-goettingen.de and dpg-physik.de emphasize.