Aragón in Quantum State: Insights on Quantum Physics in 2025

The INMA Institute launches «Aragón in Quantum State,» a public program on quantum physics that will tour the three Aragonese provinces

The Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragón (INMA), a mixed center of the CSIC and the University of Zaragoza, has designed an extensive program of activities to bring quantum physics closer to the Aragonese public. The initiative, titled «Aragón in Quantum State», is developed in celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technologies and will make Aragón one of the main epicenters of quantum outreach in Spain this autumn. Aragón Quantum Program

Inauguration and first talk
The events will begin on Wednesday, September 10, with the opening of an exhibition at the Centro de Historias de Zaragoza at 6:00 PM. This will be followed by the first ‘quantum talk’ of the series, delivered by Luis Martín Moreno, Deputy Director of INMA and research professor at CSIC, who will speak on «Quantum Physics: Why is Nature So Strange?»

Provincial itinerary
During the months of September, October, and November, the exhibition will travel across the three Aragonese provinces, visiting the Palacio Villahermosa of Huesca, the CEFCA of Teruel, and the CSIC delegation in Aragón. Additionally, thanks to the collaboration with the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical, Chemical, and Natural Sciences of Zaragoza, there will be an exhibition on Miguel Catalán, a pioneering figure in quantum physics from Aragón, at the Paraninfo of the University of Zaragoza, along with scheduled conferences for November 11.

Complementary activities
The program includes a ‘quantum cinema’ series at the Filmoteca de Zaragoza until November, as well as round tables and outreach talks led by leading researchers, many of whom are affiliated with INMA.

Scientific and technological context

The project is part of the celebration of the centenary of the foundational works of quantum physics, signed by figures such as Albert Einstein and Werner Heisenberg. According to the text, quantum physics is already part of everyday life through GPS, chips and transistors in mobile phones and computers, and magnetic resonance imaging in hospitals. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of the so-called «second quantum revolution,» which will bring applications such as ultra-precise sensors and quantum computing.

INMA as a center of excellence

The Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragón became in 2024 the first research center in the community to receive the Severo Ochoa excellence accreditation. This recognition entails funding of 4,500,000 euros and the provision of five pre-doctoral contracts for the period 2024-2028.

The center has around 300 members, over 40 ongoing European projects, an annual average of 300 publications, and secures seven million euros in competitive public programs. Additionally, it has created numerous technology-based companies (four of which are active), maintains 15 active patents (five licensed), and works closely with industry, generating around one million euros in annual revenue.

The organizers hope that this program will help disseminate the importance of quantum physics, inspire scientific vocations, bridge the gap between research and society, and highlight Aragón’s role as a territory capable of competing at the forefront of knowledge.