Last night, Her Majesty Queen Máxima attended "Quantum for Everyone", a special event held in celebration of World Quantum Day. Hosted in the Grote Kerk on the Oude Markt, the event made quantum physics accessible to a broad audience.
The event marked 100 years of quantum physics and aimed to introduce the public to the emerging opportunities and challenges of quantum science and technology.
The event was a collaboration between the University of Twente (UT) and the National Growth Fund initiative Quantum Delta NL (QDNL). In the packed Grote Kerk, Queen Máxima sat in the audience next to Vinod Subramaniam, President of the Executive Board. Subramaniam opened the evening with the words, "Allow the wonder."
Discover, create, dream
The evening began with a plenary programme, where UT scientists and experts explained and demonstrated quantum physics and technology. They also spoke about the early development of MRI scans, solar panels, lasers, and more. Spoken-word artist Brahma T. Ramsodit tied the programme together with his clear language and fluid style. The themes 'discover', 'create', and 'dream' shaped both the presentations and the experiments.
After the plenary session, visitors explored hands-on experiments that offered insight into quantum phenomena. Through these experiments, they experienced how some particles are mysteriously connected, can exist in multiple places at once, or switch between energy levels.
"Her Majesty Queen Máxima's visit to 'Quantum for Everyone' is a wonderful recognition of the work we're doing in Twente in the field of quantum technology. The event highlights the strength of our collaboration with partners in Quantum Delta NL, and the importance of inspiring both young and old with this technology of the future. Twente plays a key role in the development of quantum technology in the Netherlands," said organiser Lennart de Vreede.
Quantum technology in Twente
With support from the QDNL growth fund, the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and ROC van Twente are working to train talent and strengthen the region’s technological infrastructure through the Quantum Talent & Learning Centre. This not only benefits science, but also creates economic opportunities for the region. With "Quantum for Everyone", the region once again positions itself as an innovative hub for science and technology.
