The European Commission has officially approved Gen-Q, an ambitious international doctoral training programme in quantum science and technology.
Spearheaded by Eucor – The European Campus, this groundbreaking initiative is set to shape the future of quantum research by fostering international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral collaboration.
Over the next five years, 51 doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge developments in quantum computing, quantum sensing, and related technologies.
Collaboration across borders
Gen-Q unites academic institutions from multiple countries, reflecting the inherently global nature of quantum science.
The programme brings together the five Eucor universities – Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany, the University of Basel in Switzerland, and the Universities of Freiburg, Haute-Alsace, and Strasbourg in France – alongside the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland.
This cross-border cooperation ensures that doctoral candidates benefit from diverse perspectives and state-of-the-art research facilities.
Professor Thomas Hirth, Vice President of International Affairs and Transfer of KIT and Vice President of Eucor, said: “Quantum science is the key to developing viable solutions in the area of information and communication technologies in particular. To achieve quick progress, we will need cross-border collaboration and creative minds.
“Gen-Q is designed to deliberately push young researchers. This programme will help recruit and promote talents at an early stage.”
Training the next generation of quantum scientists
As quantum science continues to revolutionise information and communication technologies, the need for highly skilled researchers has never been greater.
Gen-Q is designed to cultivate talent by providing young scientists with hands-on experience in various facets of quantum technology.
With a total budget exceeding €12m – €6m of which is funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND programme – Gen-Q aims to attract top-tier researchers from around the world to Europe’s Upper Rhine region and beyond.
Key research areas: Pushing the boundaries of quantum science
The Gen-Q initiative focuses on four primary research areas:
- Overcoming noise in quantum devices: Addressing one of the most pressing challenges in quantum computing, researchers will work on strategies to mitigate errors and decoherence in quantum systems.
- Scaling up qubit complexity: Investigating ways to enhance the performance and stability of qubits, the fundamental units of quantum computing, to pave the way for more robust quantum technologies.
- Quantum hardware development: Pioneering new materials and architectures to support the next generation of quantum processors and sensors.
- Quantum software and hybrid computing: Creating advanced algorithms and hybrid systems that integrate classical and quantum computing for real-world applications.
Each doctoral candidate will conduct their research at one of the participating institutions while collaborating closely with industrial partners.
This dual approach ensures that theoretical advancements translate into practical innovations, strengthening Europe’s position as a leader in quantum science and technology.
Strengthening Europe’s quantum ecosystem
Gen-Q builds upon the success of previous programmes, such as QUSTEC (Quantum Science and Technologies at the European Campus), and aligns with Eucor’s strategic focus on quantum research.
By reinforcing cooperation among European universities and industry partners, the programme will help establish a robust quantum ecosystem capable of addressing future scientific and technological challenges.
Through Gen-Q, Europe is investing not only in research but also in the skilled workforce needed to sustain progress in quantum technologies.
A quantum leap for European research
The launch of Gen-Q marks a significant milestone in Europe’s quest to lead the quantum revolution.
By bringing together top universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and industry leaders, the programme ensures that the brightest minds in quantum science receive the training and resources they need to make transformative breakthroughs.
As quantum technologies continue to evolve, initiatives like Gen-Q will play a crucial role in shaping the future of computing, communication, and beyond.
