Q-UAB Days: Quantum science takes center stage at UAB Campus

From May 5 to 7, 2025, the Faculty of Science at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) hosted the Quantum Days at UAB Campus (Q-UAB Days), a three-day event celebrating the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technologies. The event was co-organized by the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC), and the UAB, with the collaboration of ICN2 and IFAE.

The initiative successfully achieved its two main goals: to present the current state of quantum technologies to UAB students and the wider university community, and to showcase the breadth and strength of quantum research being conducted on campus. Both objectives are well aligned with the spirit of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technologies.

Each of the three sessions—focused respectively on Quantum Information and Sensing, Quantum Light and Matter, and Quantum Chips—brought together leading experts who delivered engaging, highly educational talks that were accessible to a wide audience. Researchers from renowned institutions such as ICFO, CIC Nanogune, Quantum Motion, and the University of Bristol shared cutting-edge insights into quantum computing, sensing, simulation, and photonics.

Equally impressive was the strong representation of the UAB campus itself: a total of nine talks were given by researchers from UAB departments and campus research centers, including IMB-CNM, ICMAB, ICN2, and IFAE. This demonstrated the critical role the campus plays as a hub for quantum science and technology in Catalonia.

The event drew a significant number of attendees, including students, faculty, and researchers from various disciplines. The sessions concluded with open discussions, encouraging interaction and curiosity from the audience.

Feedback from the organizers and participants highlighted the clarity and didactic quality of the talks. Many expressed that the external speakers’ presentations were particularly valuable and noted that, had they been recorded, they could have served as an excellent online resource.

Suggestions for future editions included shorter talks, potentially condensed into a single day, and more time allocated for discussion or debate. Such improvements could enhance the impact of future quantum outreach activities without disrupting much academic schedules.

Thank you to all the speakers, organizers, and attendees for making the Q-UAB Days a success!