Laser and Quantum Technologies

On June 7, 2024, the United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). According to the proclamation, this year-long, worldwide initiative will "be observed through activities at all levels aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of quantum science and applications."

The year 2025 was chosen for this International Year as it recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.

Background and History

Recognizing the importance of quantum science and the need for wider awareness of its past and future impact, dozens of national scientific societies gathered together to support marking 100 years of quantum mechanics with a U.N.-declared international year. The timeline of endorsements for this international year also included the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr), and the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IUHPST).

Led by the nation of Mexico, in May 2023 the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) endorsed a resolution encouraging official UN proclamation, followed by an endorsement of the full UNESCO General Conference in November 2023, which was co-sponsored by nearly 60 countries.

In May 2024, the nation of Ghana formally submitted a draft resolution for official proclamation of the International Year to the U.N. General Assembly that garnered co-sponsorship from six countries before its approval. On June 7, 2024 the U.N. General Assembly officially declared 2025 to be The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.