Z(w)eiträume: Quanta – what next?

How will a technology that defies our intuition change our daily lives? Quantum technologies are currently on the cusp of transitioning from basic theoretical research to concrete applications – with potentially far-reaching consequences for academia, the economy, culture and society.

Rector Constanze Wimmer and Bernhard Fügenschuh, Rector of the University of Salzburg, emphasised the central role of universities as places of open research, free from corporate interests. Constanze Wimmer aims to create a “living room” for open discourse at the university; the living room serves as a metaphor that evokes a sense of closeness, accessibility, and intellectual hospitality in equal measure. Rector Bernhard Fügenschuh discussed the title he chose for the event: Z(w)eiträume (Temporal Spaces/Second Spaces). As a geologist, the timescales he works with are vastly different from those considered by (quantum) physicists – for example, the formation of the Earth approximately 4.5 billion years ago. Referring to the music video by Ecophonic Atelier – comprising Maurice Cazzolli and Simon Kantner, two students at the Mozarteum University in Innsbruck – which was shown prior to his thematic introduction, he added that the formation of Iceland is directly linked to the formation of the Alps: a result of plate tectonics along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

In his keynote address, Ulrich Aschauer (Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, University of Salzburg) explained the fundamentals of quantum computing. The focus is on phenomena such as superposition – the simultaneous overlap of multiple states – and entanglement, in which particles remain correlated even over great distances. These effects run counter to our everyday experience and common sense, and yet it is precisely these phenomena that are so incredibly fascinating. Ulrich Aschauer kept the promise he made at the beginning of his lecture, and his (almost) complete avoidance of technical jargon not only made the subject more accessible to the (lay) audience but also created a moment of absolute silence and rapt attention.

His presentation covered a wide range of topics, from an explanation of the term “quantum” to quantum computing and quantum algorithms. In physics, “quantum” refers to the smallest discrete unit of a physical quantity and forms the basis for technologies that specifically exploit quantum mechanical effects. Currently, the transition from theoretical models to the first application-oriented systems is underway, with foreseeable implications for drug discovery, logistics, and cybersecurity – particularly for cryptographic processes. The fundamental units of information are qubits, which, unlike classical bits, can assume not only the states 0 or 1, but also superpositions, i.e., both states simultaneously. Quantum computers have the potential to perform certain complex computations in parallel and significantly faster than classical computers. Alongside these incredible possibilities, immense challenges for IT security are emerging: the Shor algorithm could break all established encryption methods and thus make them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

In the subsequent discussion with experts from universities, moderated by Dr. Doris Fuschlberger (Office of the Salzburg Provincial Government), it became clear just how far quantum technologies and their predicted impacts extend beyond the realm of physics. Various aspects were discussed, from the clear communication of knowledge in schools to philosophical interpretations within society, and from optimisation processes in the energy sector to precision tools in the field of medicine.

Associate Professor Patricia Palacios, Ph.D. (University of Salzburg) drew attention to fundamental questions and how conceptual models from physics can help answer them. Her research spans a wide range of topics, from black holes to democracy. Nikolaus Unterrainer (Stefan Zweig University of Education) emphasised how crucial clear communication is for social integration. Dominik Vereno, BSc (Salzburg University of Applied Sciences), highlighted specific areas of application, such as complex optimisation problems in the energy sector. Dominik Vereno summed up just how difficult it is to truly grasp the quantum world with a frequently cited quote from Richard P. Feynman: “If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don’t understand quantum mechanics.”

Annemarie Weißenbacher, Rector of PMU Paracelsus Medical University, described quantum technologies as highly precise tools that could open up new avenues for solutions, particularly in the field of medicine.

The “Salzburg Universities: Impulses for Development” event series is a joint initiative of Salzburg’s universities that addresses key future-oriented topics at the intersection of science, culture, business, and society. The University of Salzburg served as the lead organiser for the most recent event, while PMU Paracelsus Medical University will serve as the lead organiser for the next event, which is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2027. It will be exciting to see which current, controversial, and thought-provoking issue will be explored at the next panel discussion.