Research that guarantees a breakthrough in science: Quantum week at St Petersburg University

You should gain a deeper insight into how modern science is structured and what is so fascinating about it. It will captivate you and ignite a spark. In future, I hope, you will choose the profession of a researcher and write your name in the history of Russian and world science.

Aleksandr Babich, Senior Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Admissions at St Petersburg University

Sergey Mikushev, Vice-Rector for Research at St Petersburg University, also addressed early-career researchers. Quantum technologies are a relevant area of modern science that early-career researchers should pay attention to, he said.

Some people are engaged in developing devices, some are fascinated by fundamental physics and the search for new mechanisms, while others are enthusiastic about complex mathematical calculations. Being engaged in these areas enables you to find your place and occupy a niche in a relevant developing area.

Sergey Mikushev, Vice-Rector for Research at St Petersburg University

The opening ceremony was attended by invited speakers. Among them were the following: Iurii Snisarenko, Director of the St Petersburg Science Foundation; Maxim Ostras, General Director of the Russian Quantum Centre; and Valeria Kasamara, Deputy General Director for Educational Projects at the Russian Quantum Centre. Quantum technologies are a young and actively developing field of knowledge that in future can change the quality of human life, said the experts.

The key event was a report entitled "Accelerating computing for billions of years: research that guarantees a breakthrough in science" by Ruslan Yunusov, Advisor to the Director General of Rosatom State Corporation. The founder of the Russian Quantum Centre spoke about the first quantum computers and analysed research in the field of advanced technologies that could become a trend in modern science. As part of the opening of Quantum week, a round table was held, where experts discussed the role of St Petersburg universities in the development of quantum computing.

St Petersburg University is a member of the association of higher education institutions "Consortium of supporting universities of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom" and the consortium "National quantum laboratory". The University also actively cooperates with the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom in the field of additional education for schoolchildren.

As part of the project, St Petersburg University will hold a series of educational events. Among them are the following: scientific and educational series of lectures, workshops, contests, a hackathon for students, and presentations. Invited speakers will be able to join free tours of the University buildings and museums, visit modern laboratories and resource centres at the St Petersburg University Research Park, where scientists carry out research in the field of quantum technologies. Schoolchildren will take part in the laboratory work "Principles of operation of the quantum key distribution". The University will also offer a professional development programme for teachers with the participation of Rosatom Quantum Technologies (OOO "Joint Venture 'Quant'").