EU Project ERA-Pilot Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST)

European researchers rank among the world leaders in the area of quantum information and quantum technology. In order to remain internationally competitive, common strategies are necessary for both the funding donors and also the policies.

The goal of the project "ERA Pilot QIST" (Structuring the European Research Area within Quantum Information Science and Technology) is the structuring of the relatively recent scientific areas of quantum information and quantum technology. This includes themes such as quantum cryptography, quantum teleportation or the quantum computer, as well as their potential industrial applications.

After project conclusion among other things a map of the European quantum activities will be developed, as well as a guide for strategic decisions and a common vision about the future of "QIST" in Europe.

Networking and coordination of national research programs

The project is part of the ERA-NET program of the European Union. This initiative of the Sixth Framework Program FP6 promotes the trans-national networking and co-ordination of national research programs.

The business unit Quantum Technology is co-ordinating the European "ERA Pilot QIST" project. It has a duration of two years and is supported by the European Union with 850,000 Euros.

Austria is prominently represented in the team

The project starts with a core team of 15 partners from altogether 10 European countries (Belgium, Denmark, Germany, UK, France, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Austria and Slovakia).

Austria is well represented in the core team of the project with three partners, including the Federal Ministry for traffic, innovation and technology, ARC Seibersdorf research GmbH as well as the Austrian Academy of the Sciences (Institute for quantum optics and quantum information, Professor Rainer Blatt, Professor Hans Briegel, Professor Rudolf Grimm, Professor Anton Zeilinger and Professor Peter Zoller).

The results of the project are important not only for scientific purposes and national funders, but also for the European union as supporter of a total European strategy.