Prof. dr hab. Wojciech Wiślicki, Director of the Complex Systems Research Department at NCBJ, Was nominated by the representatives of the CERN Council as a member of the CERN QTI (Quantum Technology Initiative) Advisory Board. Prof. Wiślicki, as one of the 22 members of the Council composed of experts in the field of quantum technologies, will, together with the Program Management Team, build and conduct both national and international activities and cooperation in the field of quantum technologies.

Along with the development of the use of quantum effects in computing technologies, research institutes are launching projects to implement such technologies in their research activities, and in the future, in infrastructure. This leads to the development of quantum technologies, and may also improve research processes in institutes.

One of the research institutes whose interest in quantum computing technologies has grown significantly in recent years is CERN. Workshops on their use in high-energy physics (HEP) research have been organized since 2018, and the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative Was established in September 2020.

On October 14, 2021, CERN QTI has achieved another milestone thanks to the publication of a new strategy for activities in the area of ​​Quantum Computing. The strategy includes plans for the next 3 years of operation, as well as medium- and long-term assumptions for research and development and international cooperation. It also describes the governing structure and an Advisory Board made up of representatives from the 23 member states of CERN.

During the first year of its existence, CERN QTI has already established collaborations and projects to explore the possibilities of using quantum technologies in both high-energy physics and other fields.

„The potential of quantum technologies in four research areas is currently being tested." – describes prof. Wiślicki – „The first are algorithms and quantum computing. By using quantum effects, such as qubit superposition, which are the quantum equivalent of bits in today’s computers, it will be possible to significantly reduce the computational complexity of many classes of problems, such as optimization and combinatorial problems.

Another area of ​​use for quantum computing is to perform accurate simulations of complex interactions in many-body systems. Such simulations can be used not only in high-energy physics, but also in chemistry and physical studies of condensed matter.

Other areas in which we are looking for applications of quantum technologies are detection systems, where the use of quantum effects can lead to the creation of new detector systems with high sensitivity, as well as quantum communication systems and quantum networks, which are to find applications, among others. in the synchronization of clocks of sensitive research devices, photon sources or laser technology. Quantum technologies should also improve the security of communications, which is of particular importance for the protection of property, confidentiality of personal and industrial data and for the well-functioning of the state".

CERN’s many years of experience in scientific research, as well as the nature of the organization focused on international cooperation, mean that CERN QTI may have a significant share in the development of quantum technologies both in high-energy physics and in other areas of science in the next few years. Of particular importance will be the launch of quantum computers, where all bold concepts of physicists will be tested experimentally. This will only allow the creation of breakthrough technologies.

More information about CERN QTI is available on the website https: //quantum. cern/