Quy Nhơn Hosts International Conference Marking 100 Years of Quantum Physics

Quy Nhon, The Gulf Observer: More than 80 professors, scientists, and research fellows from 14 countries, along with 60 top-performing students in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from three local gifted high schools, are participating in the international conference “100 Years of Quantum Physics” taking place in Vietnam’s scenic coastal city of Quy Nhơn, Gia Lai Province.

Jointly organized by Rencontres du Vietnam (Meeting Vietnam) and the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), in collaboration with the International Organising Committee, the four-day conference holds significant scientific value. It celebrates the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), proclaimed by the United Nations on June 7, 2024, commemorating a century of quantum science development.

The event provides an opportunity for the global scientific community to reflect on a hundred years of remarkable advancements in quantum physics — the foundation of quantum technologies expected to drive the next major scientific and technological revolution following artificial intelligence (AI).

A special highlight of the conference is the recognition of Professor Serge Haroche, Nobel Laureate in Physics (2012), for his outstanding and pioneering contributions to quantum physics. Prof. Haroche becomes the 19th Nobel Laureate to visit Gia Lai Province and ICISE since the centre’s establishment in 2013.

The conference also features presentations by several of the world’s foremost physicists, including Prof. Hans Bachor (Australian National University, Australia), Prof. John Doyle (Harvard University, USA), Prof. Alberto Bramati (Sorbonne University, France and National University of Singapore, Singapore), Prof. Michel Brune (Collège de France, France), Prof. Arno Rauschenbeutel (Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany), Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar (Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Germany), Prof. Claude Weisbuch (École Polytechnique, France), and Dr. Michele Leduc (French National Center for Scientific Research – CNRS, France), among many other distinguished participants.

Over 40 scientific presentations are scheduled, covering a diverse range of topics including quantum optics, quantum communication, and quantum computation; intersections of condensed matter, atomic, and chemical physics; high-precision spectroscopy and metrology experiments; cold atoms and material simulation; theory and methods in quantum mechanics; quantum high-energy physics and cosmology; as well as quantum technologies and energy production.

Ahead of the main conference, a specialized workshop was held on Tuesday for research fellows and young scientists to provide foundational understanding and insights into advanced areas of study. During the workshop, Professor Claude Weisbuch, a leading French quantum physicist from École Polytechnique (Paris), delivered a lecture on Foundations of Excitonic Polaritons. His address also referenced the scientific contributions of the late Professor and Academician Nguyễn Văn Hiệu, one of Việt Nam’s most respected physicists.

Prof. Weisbuch, who holds over 40 technology patents, many of which are used in advanced device production through his own technology startup, is also among the distinguished speakers contributing to the event’s academic depth.

In addition to its scientific objectives, the conference aims to enhance collaboration between global experts and emerging researchers from Việt Nam and other countries, fostering new research directions and partnerships. Young scientists will have the opportunity to present their work, engage in roundtable discussions, and receive direct feedback from leading international experts.

Such interactions are expected to inspire innovation, encourage open academic exchange, and promote joint projects between Vietnamese and international laboratories.

Over the past century, atomic physics and quantum mechanics have evolved in parallel, driving one another forward and sparking numerous breakthroughs in science and technology. Experimental research into light–atom interactions — particularly since the advent of the laser over 60 years ago — has remained at the forefront of Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and laid the groundwork for the quantum technology era now unfolding before humanity.