
How does quantum research change our reality?
Semester question: How does quantum research change our reality?
What if playing with a Rubik's Cube did more than simply solve a puzzle – what if it simultaneously created worlds of new possibilities? Quantum mechanics defies our intuitive understanding of space, time, and causality, while challenging classical notions of certainty. For instance, in the quantum realm, particles can seemingly exist in multiple places at once, only to collapse into a fixed location upon observation – yet who's observation ultimately defines reality?
In 2025, we celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology – a research field in which the University of Vienna holds a leading position. As part of the semester question, academics from the University will offer exciting insights into their 'playing field' and explain how quantum phenomena overturn our worldview. New breakthroughs are paving the way for transformative technologies such as quantum computers and completely secure communication systems.
Discover the 'new rules' of the quantum world firsthand – directly from the academics at the University of Vienna – here in the Rudolphina magazine and under the #semesterfrage hashtag everywhere else! We will end the semester question with a podium discussion in the Main Ceremonial Hall on June 16th, 2025.
About the Semester question
Each semester, the University of Vienna poses its academics a question that is of particular relevance to today’s society. You can find all current contributions by the University of Vienna’s academics in the Rudolphina magazine (in German) or on our social media channels under #Semesterfrage. The University of Vienna runs this project in cooperation with the Austrian daily newspaper "Der Standard" – starting with online contributions and ending with a closing event at the end of the semester.