International Year of Quantum Science and Technology Kickoff

When

Location

Event type

Upcoming
February

Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States, Dr. Ralf Heckner, will host the the kickoff event of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), in Washington D.C. This inclusive celebration will be hosted at the Swiss Residence in Washington on Wednesday February 5, 2025, simultaneously with the UNESCO launch in Paris.

On this special occasion, a diverse group of 30 participants comprised of foreign diplomats, U.S. government officials, scientists, and industry representatives will play the Quantum Diplomacy Game. Washington D.C is the first stop of this unique anticipatory game designed by the Open Quantum Institute at GESDA and will be activated in different parts of the world on the occasion of the IYQ 2025.

The 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.

The Quantum Diplomacy Game will be moderated by Kaeri Martinez Medina, PhD Candidate in Virology at University of Pennsylvania and President of Penn Science Policy and Diplomacy Group. After the Quantum Diplomacy Game, several speakers will deliver flash talks on “Making International Year of Quantum a Success for All,” including:

  • Hassana Howe, American Physical Society, Chief Experience and Engagement Officer
  • George D. Thomas, Connected DMV, President & CEO
  • Kate Waimey Timmerman, Chicago Quantum Exchange, CEO
  • Mike Bennett, QSEnSE Quantum Leap Challenge Institute, Director for Workforce Development and Education
  • Brendan Karch, Swissnex in Boston and New York, Interim CEO

Agenda

  • 3:00pm – The Quantum Diplomacy Game
  • 5:30pm – Moderated debriefing and key learnings
  • 6:00pm – Flash remarks
  • 6:30pm – Networking reception

Event start time

Speakers

Partners

This event is organized by the Science Office of the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, with the participation of Swissnex, GESDA, and the Open Quantum Institute.