Ian Mannix
Cosmos newsroom
Quantum science is so fundamental to the future of society that the United Nations has proclaimed 2025 “The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.”
It commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Schrödinger equation– often considered the key development in the birth of quantum mechanics.
The UN’s educational arm UNESCO says the year-long, worldwide initiative will “be observed through activities at all levels aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of quantum science and applications.”
The UN says quantum science will impact on health and well being with quantum photonics being used in advancing medical imaging and diagnosis; quantum chemistry supporting the development of new vaccines and drugs; quantum physics will inform next-generation sensors for environmental monitoring; quantum computers will improve the accuracy of long- term climate models and quantum engineering leading to more energy efficient and affordable solar cells, and low emission LED light sources.
One history of quantum mechanics says the achievements of the world’s theoretical physics pioneers “transcend the borders and belong to the whole world, and deserve to be documented and celebrated.”
Quantum science for most people is an impenetrable realm. But if it’s so important for our future, it’s important that everyone engages with its basic principles.
For that reason, Cosmos Education and Double Helix Extra, with the Australian Institute of Physics, are challenging the world’s scientists, writers and communicators to help teach kids about quantum. Specifically the challenge is to find the way to teach kids aged 12–14 what they need to know about quantum, and how it impacts on our lives.
The competition opens today, with a call to people to write up to 250 words or create a video of no more than 90 seconds that can be used in the classrooms of our kids.
Nicole Bell, the President of the Australian Institute of Physics, says quantum mechanics is an elegant and sometimes surprising science.
“It lies at the heart of almost all modern physics and underpins technology that we all use in our daily lives,” Bell says.
“The United Nations has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to increase public awareness of the importance of quantum physics.
“During the Quantum Year, the Australian Institute of Physics aims to ignite curiosity about the beauty and promise of the quantum world.
“The Cosmos Quantum Explained Challenge will help communicate the wonder of quantum to school students – the next generation of scientists and innovators – inspiring students to pursue careers in science and technology.”
The AIP will choose the best submissions to be posted as an education resource on Cosmos Education, to assist teachers to develop material for this science content. The results will also be published by Double Helix Extra, and feature in special content on cosmosmagazine.com.
Entry details Cosmos Education Entries close on December 1.
Issue 105 of Cosmos Magazine out December 5 will contain a 22 page feature: “Quantum: Australia’s new horizon,” Subscribe to get your copy.
Ian Mannix is the Editor in Chief of Cosmos Magazine.
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