© Minis­terium für Wissen­schaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg
Besuch von Wissenschaftsministerin Petra Olschowski an der Uni Ulm: Prof. Joachim Ankerhold, QuantumBW-Sprecher; Doktorandin Miriam Resch; Lara Thullner und Yannik Gerdes, Physikstudierende; Wissenschaftsministerin Petra Olschowski; Martin Rivoir, Landtagsabgeordneter und Universitätspräsident Prof. Michael Weber (v. l.)

Science Minis­ter Petra Olschowski visits Ulm University

6/7/2024, press release of Ulm University

Science Minis­ter Petra Olschowski visits univer­sity campus

Magnetic resonance imaging and GPS naviga­tion are based on quantum mechan­i­cal functions. However, quantum mechan­ics should also enable tap-proof commu­ni­ca­tion and highly sensi­tive sensors in the future. Quantum comput­ers could help with simula­tions or person­alised drug devel­op­ment. Science Minis­ter Petra Olschowski learned about Ulm University’s central role in pioneer­ing research into quantum science during a visit on Thurs­day, 6 June.

The state minis­ter was welcomed by Profes­sor Joachim Anker­hold, spokesper­son for the state-wide innova­tion campus for quantum technolo­gies QuantumBW and head of the Insti­tute for Complex Quantum Systems at Ulm Univer­sity. He presented research projects at the Ulm site and their integra­tion into QuantumBW and discussed current challenges with the Science Minis­ter. He also presented various activ­i­ties aimed at publi­cis­ing the research field of quantum science — from school labs to science slams. “We are delighted to be able to present to the Minis­ter the exten­sive activ­i­ties in the quantum field on the campus, which are an integral part of the new Innova­tion Campus. The gener­ous and long-term funding provided by the state is crucial for this still young technol­ogy with high innova­tion poten­tial,” says Profes­sor Ankerhold.

Science Minis­ter Petra Olschowski was impressed by the research activ­i­ties of the scien­tists in the field of quantum physics phenom­ena. “As a found­ing member of the state initia­tive QuantumBW, Ulm Univer­sity is driving quantum technol­ogy forward — from basic research to appli­ca­tion areas such as quantum comput­ing, medical imaging and sensor technol­ogy. In this way, the inter­dis­ci­pli­nary researchers are strength­en­ing Baden-Württemberg’s outstand­ing position in this field of innova­tion. Between theory and practice, optimal condi­tions are also being created for the promo­tion of young talent: the new Ulm Master’s degree programme ‘Quantum Engineer­ing’ is train­ing the sought-after special­ists and managers of tomor­row — for science, indus­try and the innov­a­tive strength of the state. At the Ministry of Science, we are eagerly follow­ing the second quantum revolu­tion, to which QuantumBW can make a signif­i­cant contri­bu­tion. We are support­ing this future-oriented research to the best of our ability,” says Petra Olschowski.

Besuch von Wissenschaftsministerin Petra Olschowski an der Uni Ulm: Prof. Joachim Ankerhold, QuantumBW-Sprecher; Doktorandin Miriam Resch; Lara Thullner und Yannik Gerdes, Physikstudierende; Wissenschaftsministerin Petra Olschowski; Martin Rivoir, Landtagsabgeordneter und Universitätspräsident Prof. Michael Weber (v. l.)
Science Minis­ter Petra Olschowski’s visit to Ulm Univer­sity: Prof Joachim Anker­hold, QuantumBW spokesper­son; doctoral student Miriam Resch; Lara Thull­ner and Yannik Gerdes, physics students; Science Minis­ter Petra Olschowski; Martin Rivoir, member of the state parlia­ment and Univer­sity Presi­dent Prof Michael Weber (from left). © Ministry of Science, Research and Arts Baden-Württemberg

Researchers are focussing on the manip­u­la­tion of tiny parti­cles in artifi­cial diamonds

The Science Minis­ter then visited a labora­tory at the Center for Quantum BioSciences (ZQB), where researchers have access to a customised infra­struc­ture. The ZQB (Manag­ing Direc­tor Profes­sor Martin Plenio) serves as the central infra­struc­ture in Baden-Württemberg for under­stand­ing quantum effects in highly complex systems and devel­op­ing new forms of sensor and imaging technology.

The Science Minis­ter then exchanged ideas with three physics students from bachelor’s to doctoral level and promoted study­ing STEM subjects. The train­ing and further educa­tion of young scien­tists and special­ists for science and indus­try is one of QuantumBW’s key areas of activity.

Wissenschaftsministerin Petra Olschowski (2. v. r.) informiert sich zusammen mit Prof. Joachim Ankerhold, Sprecher von QuantumBW (3. v. l.), im Labor von Prof. Fedor Jelezko (l.) über Quantensensorik
Science Minis­ter Petra Olschowski (2nd from right) and Prof Joachim Anker­hold, spokesper­son for QuantumBW (3rd from left), learn about quantum sensor technol­ogy in the labora­tory of Prof Fedor Jelezko (left). © Ulm Univer­sity | Daniela Stang

Further Infor­ma­tion

Kryostat eines kryogenen Wafer-Probers für die Charakterisierung von Festkörper-Qubits bei 2 K
© Fraunhofer IAF

About QuantumBW
Die Sprecher von Quantum<sup>BW</sup> mit den Ministerinnen Olschowski und Hoffmeister-Kraut sowie mit Rüdiger Quay und dem
© Fraunhofer IAO | Ludmilla Parsyak

Get to know spokesper­sons and office
Besuch von Wissenschaftsministerin Petra Olschowski an der Uni Ulm: Prof. Joachim Ankerhold, QuantumBW-Sprecher; Doktorandin Miriam Resch; Lara Thullner und Yannik Gerdes, Physikstudierende; Wissenschaftsministerin Petra Olschowski; Martin Rivoir, Landtagsabgeordneter und Universitätspräsident Prof. Michael Weber (v. l.)
© Minis­terium für Wissen­schaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg

Press release of Ulm University