image: The Quantum Education Summit event launch at CosmoCaixa. Image credit: ICFO/R. Puras
Credit: ICFO/R. Puras
From December 3-5, 2025, CosmoCaixa Science Museum of Barcelona is set to become a global hotspot for quantum science training. The Quantum Education Summit event is expected to gather more than 300 participants from 34 countries for the first pan-European conference dedicated entirely to quantum education. Organized by the Catalonia Quantum Academy (CQA), an initiative coordinated by ICFO, in collaboration with the Quantum Flagship projects DigiQ & QTIndu, the Generalitat de Catalunya, QURECA, and additional partners including Quantum Spain and the International Year of Quantum (IYQ) initiative, the event marks a milestone for Europe’s rapidly evolving quantum ecosystem in the fields of training and education.
The span of participating institutions, which range from major research universities such as UAB, UB, UPC, AU, and TU Braunschweig, to highly specialized centers like ICFO, BSC, EURECAT, highly demonstrates the need of establishing clear guidelines on academic programs that include quantum physics and their applications in their curricula. By reaching out to learners earlier in time and presenting quantum concepts in age-appropriate, engaging ways, these institutions can cultivate a stronger, more diverse pipeline of talent, knowledge and know-how, enabling continuous trained a well-prepared professionals in a rapidly evolving quantum landscape.
With over 300 attendees from five continents, the summit brings together a uniquely diverse community: 20 invited speakers from 15 countries, 41 contributed talks representing 16 countries, 16 panelists across four round-table discussions, 100 students and early-career researchers.
A Global Effort to Break Barriers in Quantum Education
The idea for the summit grew from a shared recognition of the need to elevate global awareness, accessibility, and coordination in quantum science education. Organizers envisioned a space where quantum knowledge becomes more approachable and can be discussed between appropriate actors and focused audiences, such as university educators, early-career researchers, industry professionals or even high-school students.
The event reflects a broader mission: making quantum technologies understandable and accessible to all levels of expertise. Sessions range from introductory level outreach talks to advanced discussions on curriculum development, workforce needs, and cutting-edge quantum technologies.
High-Profile Speakers and Key Themes
The selection of speakers for the event prioritized both innovation in education and geographical and disciplinary diversity. The summit features influential voices in quantum physics outreach and training, including:
- Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, renowned for his contributions to physics education
- Representatives from internationally leading institutions such as the Perimeter Institute from Canada, including Maité Depuis, Director of Training, Educational Outreach & Scientific Programs
- Eboney Hearn, Executive Director of Engineering Outreach Programs of MITES (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering and Science), offering perspectives on community engagement and skills development
Outcomes: A Roadmap for Global Quantum Education
Several concrete outcomes are anticipated, the most important the elaboration of a white paper capturing best practices and insights from participating speakers to understand the current landscape we are in, seek new collaborations, strengthened networks, and emerging joint projects, improve existing educational programs and thus increase the visibility of quantum science education at regional, European, and global levels.
The summit stands apart as the first global conference focused exclusively on quantum education, and the first of its kind in Europe. Its breadth—both in topics and in the diversity of participants—positions it as a crucial platform for shaping the future of the quantum workforce. As Robert Sewell, Vice Director of People, Education, and Culture at ICFO, concludes “we hope that this inaugural summit will grow into a recurring international platform, and that will allow us to continue strengthening the quantum education landscape and connect communities worldwide”