New European Quantum Academy to strengthen quantum education in Europe
MPQ’s PhotonLab joins Europe-wide initiative to advance quantum education and strengthen Europe’s position in quantum science
MPQ’s PhotonLab has become a partner of the newly established European Quantum Academy (EQA), a project within the European Union’s Quantum Flagship initiative. The EQA aims to coordinate quantum education across Europe, foster the next generation of scientific, technological, and industrial talent, and strengthen Europe’s role as a global hub for quantum technologies. PhotonLab will contribute innovative learning concepts, train-the-trainer programs, and selected outreach activities designed to make quantum science accessible to diverse audiences.
“The European Quantum Academy gives PhotonLab the opportunity to help shape innovative educational formats across Europe, connect with key stakeholders, and advance quantum education,” says Linda Qerimi, Didactics Manager at Munich Quantum Valley, of which MPQ is a member. “Quantum technologies will play a major role in shaping our future, making it essential to inspire people early and provide accessible pathways into the field.”
As part of the EQA, PhotonLab will develop and implement new educational and outreach activities focused on quantum technologies. Its contributions include promoting modern teaching concepts, delivering Europe-wide train-the-trainer programs, and developing new approaches for explaining complex quantum concepts through visual qubit representations. PhotonLab will also help build European networks and special interest groups to encourage exchange on educational methods and learning processes within the quantum education community.
“I am excited about the launch of this project,” says Silke Stähler-Schöpf, Head of PhotonLab. “It gives us the opportunity to further develop our quantum experiments and modern educational concepts and increase their visibility across Europe.”
The European Quantum Academy is part of the EU’s Quantum Flagship initiative, launched in 2018. Backed by nearly €20 million in funding, the project brings together more than 70 partner institutions, over 100 additional participating organizations, and six regional quantum academies. Its goal is to coordinate education and training in quantum technologies across Europe and support the development of a strong quantum ecosystem.
Over the next four years, the EQA will train specialists and nurture talent to strengthen Europe’s quantum sector. In doing so, it aims to accelerate the transfer of quantum technologies from research into industrial and commercial applications.
