- One century after its birth, quantum mechanics is undergoing a profound scientific transformation, with information emerging as its foundational principle.
- The international conference Entangle This VI—featuring world-renowned researchers such as Ignacio Cirac and Immanuel Bloch—marks the centennial while training a new generation of leaders in the field. The event is organized by the Institute for Theoretical Physics (IFT UAM–CSIC) in collaboration with the Institute of Fundamental Physics (IFF–CSIC) and takes place at the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid.
Madrid, September 17, 2025.- Exactly 100 years ago, researchers across the globe began exploring radically new ways of understanding nature, sparking a scientific revolution that even its architects could hardly have foreseen. Today, the resulting technologies permeate our daily lives—lasers, medical devices, all of modern electronics. Quantum physics, the branch of physics devoted to microscopic systems (the inner structure of atoms and the peculiar laws governing them), was formally inaugurated with Werner Heisenberg’s seminal paper, which redefined the discipline. Humanity now looks toward a “second revolution,” led by the quest for quantum computers.
To commemorate the centennial, the Entangle This VI conference (September 15–19) gathers leading figures in quantum information science—such as Ignacio Cirac, Immanuel Bloch (Max Planck Institute), and José Ignacio Latorre (UB, Centre for Quantum Technologies, Singapore)—to address cutting-edge challenges in quantum computation and many-body physics.
Álvaro M. Alhambra (IFT), one of the organizers, remarks: “The idea of Entangle This is precisely to entangle very different themes within the same domain—for example, quantum algorithms or the potential of quantum physics to produce extremely powerful computations, far beyond what classical computers can achieve. Information is a fundamental concept in physics, and it will shape how we do science in the 21st century.”
Quantum will solve problems once deemed impossible
Ignacio Cirac (Manresa, 1965), Director of the Theory Division at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics and widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of quantum computing, emphasizes: “We are experiencing a second quantum revolution. We now have the possibility to use quantum physics in entirely new ways—such as the development of quantum computers. Industry has taken notice, and that is why today everyone is aware of what is happening.”
Cirac highlights the transformative potential: “If we could ‘tame’ quantum computers to solve many-body problems, applications would include drug development—allowing us to simulate chemical reactions and design more effective pharmaceuticals—as well as the engineering of new materials.”
Yet he tempers expectations: “For now, no one seriously thinks that individuals will own a quantum computer. Their applications are not consumer-level. The right picture is that quantum computers will function like today’s supercomputers, accessible to scientists and industries—perhaps remotely—for extremely complex calculations. But we still have a long way to go.”
Quantum simulators: the “beta version” of quantum computers
Quantum simulators are specialized devices that emulate the behavior of complex quantum systems (such as materials or chemical reactions) using more controllable quantum platforms. They are prototypes of quantum computers, already able to tackle problems that classical machines cannot.
Immanuel Bloch (Fulda, 1972), Director of the Quantum Many-Body Systems Division at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, explains: “Quantum simulators are purpose-built quantum computers. They allow us to probe phenomena such as superconductivity or magnetism with unprecedented precision, opening new avenues for applications in materials science and energy.”
Federica Surace (Caltech) adds: “One could say that quantum simulators are domain-specific quantum computers. They cannot do everything, but they are already being used to explore out-of-equilibrium phenomena and many-body systems, from which we can learn enormously.”
Fascinating predictions: information as a new principle
Reflecting on the future, José Ignacio Latorre (Barcelona, 1959), Director of the Centre for Quantum Technologies in Singapore, notes: “The founding fathers of quantum mechanics would be astonished by what is happening today. But perhaps quantum mechanics, as we know it, is still a preliminary theory.”
Looking ahead 50 years, Latorre foresees: “I doubt all these developments will be carried out exclusively by humans. I believe an artificial scientist will emerge to work alongside us for decades to come. There will, as always, be resistance to change, but I am convinced of it. Moreover, I argue we must begin to explore information as a new principle—the grand principle of information.”
Young voices at the frontier
One of the key aims of Entangle This VI is knowledge transfer to younger generations, who will lead the next revolution in quantum information science.
Sara Giordano (Complutense University of Madrid): “This is a unique opportunity for the Spanish quantum computing community. Engaging with international experts is essential for our growth.”
Carlos Fulgado (IFT): “The most valuable aspect is the interaction. During the year, each of us focuses on our own work, but here we share new perspectives that refresh our research.”
Patrick Emonts (Ulm University, Germany): “Conferences like this are vital. It’s nearly impossible to keep up with everyone’s work, and these personal exchanges are what make research such an exciting adventure.”
