17.12.2025
During the Quantum Year 2025, three institutes of the Department were officially designated as Quantum Locations in Germany: the Physikalisches Institut, the Institute for Theoretical Physics, and the Kirchhoff Institute for Physics (KIP). While the designation applied throughout the anniversary year, the recent installation of specific plaques has now made these Quantum Locations permanent.
At the unveiling of the plaques, the participating institutes were represented by their directors (see photo, from the upper left clockwise): Prof. Dr. Wolfram Pernice for the Kirchhoff Institute for Physics; Prof. Dr. Selim Jochim for the Physikalisches Institut together with the local initiator, Prof. Dr. Matthias Weidemüller; and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Berges for the Institute for Theoretical Physics.
Together, the three institutes continue Heidelberg’s long-standing tradition of excellence in quantum physics, which has already resulted in several Nobel Prizes. Current research activities include the DFG Collaborative Research Centre ISOQUANT, BMBF-funded programmes, and the Cluster of Excellence STRUCTURES. At the same time, students in the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Physics are trained in modern quantum physics and quantum technologies.
The initiative “100 Quantum Locations – Incubators of Quantum Research” highlights sites across Germany where quantum physics plays a central role. An interactive online map provides key information on each location, and QR codes on the plaques link directly to the respective profiles. To date, 86 Quantum Locations have been designated nationwide. The initiative is coordinated by the German Physical Society (DPG), with the plaques generously supported by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation.
The Quantum Year 2025 marked the 100th anniversary of the formulation of quantum mechanics in 1925 and formed part of the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. It aimed to highlight the importance of quantum physics for science, technology, and society.
As part of Heidelberg’s contribution, a series of public short lectures was held at the Peterskirche during the summer semester of 2025. Within the framework of the Academic Lunch Break ('Akademische Mittagspause'), half-hour, accessible talks on quantum physics were offered five days a week. Recordings of the lectures are available online.
With the permanent marking of the three institutes, Heidelberg University’s contribution to the national Quantum Locations initiative is now documented on campus for the long term.
