Celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology with the U.S. National Quantum Initiative!
On 7 June 2024, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). IYQ 2025 recognizes 100 years since the development of quantum mechanics. This yearlong celebration will emphasize the significance of quantum science and technology for creating industries of the future to the benefit of all. Whether you are new to quantum concepts, a teacher looking for educational materials, or a professional wanting to get more involved, there are resources here for you!
Why Quantum, Why Now?
Quantum mechanics is the science of atoms and particles–the building blocks of the world around us. Using quantum mechanics, scientist and engineers have created revolutionary technologies that impact our everyday lives. For example, the semiconductor chips in our smartphones and computers operate in part using quantum mechanics. LASERS, LED lights, and LED monitors were developed based on our understanding of quantum mechanics. The Global Position System (GPS) that helps us navigate the world relies on the quantum mechanics of ultra-precise atomic clocks. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners in hospitals use quantum mechanics. Future technologies such as quantum computers, quantum sensors, and quantum communication devices may offer new and disruptive applications as well. You are invited to be a part of the quantum revolution!
IYQ 2025 EVENTS
Below, you can find a list of IYQ 2025 events hosted or supported by U.S. Government Agencies.
- January 22, 2025: Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Centers Virtual Career Fair. Learn more and find registration links at this blog post.
- Agencies are planning a variety of events, including events for young learners, university students, and the public. Watch this space for more information and announcements!
WAYS TO ENGAGE
Below are some ideas for how you can participate in the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology throughout 2025.
Students and Teachers
- Learn about quantum by exploring the quantum.gov Resources.
- Teach a short lesson on quantum science by signing up for QuanTime, an initiative developed by the National Q-12 Education Partnership. The activities are designed for K-12 and are a fun way to introduce middle and high school students to quantum information science.
- Participate in an international event; visit the official IYQ website at quantum2025.org for a list.
- Browse #QuantumYear, #IYQ2025, and #WorldQuantumDay on social media to see what the community is doing.
- Share how you’re celebrating on social media using #IYQ2025 and #QuantumYear.
Quantum Scientists, Universities, Companies, and Laboratories
- Develop or offers lab tours or events and advertise them at the official IYQ website quantum2025.org and the official World Quantum Day website WorldQuantumDay.org.
- Contribute a quantum activity to QuanTime that K-12 students can complete in a single class period.
- Visit the National Q-12 Education Partnership website to see if your city or state is participating in QuanTime in 2025 and learn how to get involved.
- Post about your quantum story, your quantum research, or your quantum organization on social media using #QuantumYear or #IYQ2025.
- Post about quantum using the materials in the quantum.gov Resources, or create your own quantum infographic or explainer video.
- Issue a press release highlighting some of the quantum research, or the people doing quantum research, at your organization.
- Post quantum-themed content on your home page or create a special banner or doodle.
- Share information about careers in quantum information science.
- Encourage your colleagues to engage in IYQ 2025.
Journalists, Science Communicators, and Content Creators
- Learn about quantum by exploring the quantum.gov Resources.
- Highlight quantum content that you have already produced.
- Create new content about quantum science or quantum scientists and their diverse careers. Consider avoiding language like “spooky” and “weird” and instead focus on how students can learn about quantum and connect it to their lives.
- Share quantum content on social media using #IYQ2025 and #QuantumYear.
RESOURCES
Here are some resources to learn about quantum, which you are free to share for IYQ 2025. Much of the content below was originally created for past World Quantum Day events and can be reused for IYQ 2025. World Quantum Day is a precursor to IYQ 2025 that has been celebrated each year since 2022. April 14th was chosen for World Quantum Day because of Planck’s constant, a very important number in quantum mechanics.
Videos
What YOU Can Do With Quantum Science
What YOU Can Do With Quantum Science is a video produced by the National Q-12 Education Partnership for World Quantum Day 2023. It is narrated by LeVar Burton and features quantum scientists and students, as well as NASA Astronaut Josh Cassada.
This is Quantum
This is Quantum is a marquee video made by the National Q-12 Education Partnership for World Quantum Day 2022. It features the Former Acting Science Advisor to the President Francis Collins and Deputy NASA Administrator Pamela Melroy.
Video Shorts
Several Federal agencies created video shorts for World Quantum Day 2022 that can be reshared. The shorts feature real quantum scientists answering the following questions:
- “Explain what you do in quantum.”
- “What excites you about quantum?”
- “How does quantum show up in your everyday life outside of work?”
For IYQ 2025, NIST created a short video explainer on quantization – a key concept in quantum mechanics!
Posters and Factsheets
Planck’s Constant Poster
NIST created a poster about Planck’s constant which you are free to print. NIST also created a four-image infographic about Planck’s constant for sharing on social media.
Printable 18″x24″ Poster
Separate Images (for Social Media)
National Quantum Initiative Factsheet
The National Quantum Coordination Office and National Science Foundation, with input from other agencies, created a factsheet about the National Quantum Initiative, which is a whole-of-government approach to ensuring American leadership in quantum information science. This factsheet was originally created in celebration of World Quantum Day 2022 and can also be found on the quantum.gov About page.
Graphics, Backgrounds, and Images
Where is Quantum in Your Everyday Life?
NIST took their Planck’s constant infographic and extracted places that quantum appears in your everyday life. Individual graphics are below, which you are free to share:
Background Images
Background images, sized at 1920×1080 pixels, can be used for video conferencing are available below:
Quantum Image Gallery
A gallery of quantum images, curated by Federal agencies, is available below:
More Ways to Learn
Here, you can find links to even more ways to learn about quantum mechanics from U.S. agencies leading research and development in the field.
- NIST Blog post: 5 Concepts Can Help You Understand Quantum Mechanics and Technology – Without Math!
- NSF Focus areas: Quantum Information Science
World Quantum Days
World Quantum Day 2024
Public domain graphics to promote World Quantum Day 2024 are available below, in a variety of sizes:
World Quantum Day 2023
For an overview of 2023 activities, please see this blog post and the interagency thread. Several Federal agencies participated in the conversation, highlighting how quantum science and technology has impacted their missions.
Free graphics for World Quantum Day 2023 are available below:
World Quantum Day 2022
For an overview of 2022 activities, please see this blog post.
Free graphics for World Quantum Day 2022 are available below:
