As many know, the United Nations has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQST) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of modern quantum mechanics. This milestone has not only set out to honor a century of groundbreaking scientific achievements but also has shined a light on the transformative potential of quantum science in shaping our shared future.
Led by UNESCO and supported by a global consortium of scientific societies and partners, including IEEE as a distinguished partner, this year-long initiative is dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance and wide-ranging impact of quantum science. From the technologies that power our daily lives, transistors, lasers, LEDs, and atomic clocks, to the frontier innovations that will define the next century, quantum mechanics remains at the core of progress.
In recognition of its remarkable mission and global influence, IYQST was named the 2025 Organization of the Year by the Quantum Leadership Awards at the Quantum World Congress. This prestigious honor is one of four Quantum Leadership Awards presented annually by senior leaders from government, academia, and industry. The award reflects the extraordinary collaboration and dedication that made IYQST possible.
As Dr. Paul Cadden-Zimansky, one of the IYQ Global Coordinators, expressed: “IYQ would not have worked without the dozens of countries, hundreds of institutions, and thousands of people across the globe who believed in the mission of using the centennial of quantum mechanics as an occasion to improve public awareness of how central quantum is to our world.”
He added, “I think everyone who is putting in time and effort to make IYQ a reality, from individuals independently initiating their own small events to leaders who got their institutions and companies behind it, share in this award and can take it as an encouragement to continue the mission of illuminating quantum science and technology for all as we enter the next quantum century.”
This recognition highlights a unique achievement: transforming a centennial celebration into a global platform for outreach, education, and inclusion. It demonstrates the power of science to unite diverse communities across borders and to illuminate quantum’s role in addressing some of humanity’s most urgent challenges.
Over the past century, quantum mechanics has already revolutionized modern life, driving advances in global telecommunications, renewable energy, medicine, and cybersecurity. Looking ahead, breakthroughs in quantum technologies promise to accelerate progress in materials science, health care, climate solutions, and more.
Equally central to IYQST’s mission is its commitment to bridging the quantum divide, ensuring equitable access to education, infrastructure, and innovation worldwide. By engaging developing nations and fostering international collaboration, the initiative helps ensure that the benefits of quantum advancements are shared inclusively, fueling resilience and global growth.
The Organization of the Year award is more than a recognition of what IYQST has achieved so far. It is a call to action. It urges us to continue raising awareness, advancing equity, and pushing the boundaries of discovery well beyond 2025. With distinguished partners like IEEE, this campaign carries powerful momentum into the next quantum century, inspiring optimism, innovation, and progress for all.
Learn how you can contribute to IYQST.
The Quantum Leadership Awards honor people and organizations catalyzing measurable progress in quantum science and technology across commercialization, policy, research, and workforce. Awardees are recognized at Quantum World Congress 2025 (September 16–18, Capital One Hall, Tysons, VA).
