World Quantum Day Date in the current year: April 14, 2024

Quantum mechanics is the study of nature at the most fundamental level, which describes its physical properties at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. The development of quantum mechanics in the early 20th century signified the transition from classical physics to modern physics, which includes quantum mechanics, general relativity and special relativity.

The first quantum theory was put forward by the German physicist Max Planck in 1900. His ideas were further developed by Albert Einstein, Jean Baptiste Perrin, Gilbert N. Lewis, Arthur Haas, Hendrik Lorentz, John Willian Nicholson, and other physicists.

Over the last decades, quantum science has expanded beyond physics into other fields, such as information technology. For example, quantum computing is a high-profile R&D activity around the world, both in academic institutions and in the private sector; many scientists are preparing to enter the quantum computer era sooner than later.

World Quantum Day was launched in 2021 and celebrated for the first time on April 14, 2022. Its date, April 14, was chosen as a reference to the rounded first three digits of the Planck constant with eV: 4.135667696×10⁻¹⁵ eV. s (electronvolt second). The Planck constant is so important because it is a fundamental constant of quantum mechanics that relates energy to frequency.

But what does the Planck constant have to do with everyday life? For instance, it is one of the three fundamental physical constants that define the kilogram (the other two are the speed of light and a specific atomic transition frequency of caesium), the base unit of mass in the metric system that is widely used in commerce, engineering and science across the world.

It is this and other things that World Quantum Day is designed to help people learn. Its events aim to educate people about how quantum physics helps us understand nature at its most fundamental level, develop technologies we cannot imagine our lives without, and boost scientific and technological progress which, in turn, has a huge impact on our society.

World Quantum Day is a decentralized initiative, which means that anyone can organize their own activity. World Quantum Day events are held by quantum scientists, engineers, technologists, science communicators, educators, content creators, entrepreneurs, and various institutions and organizations, ranging from CERN to universities across the world. These events include, but are not limited to, open lectures and outreach talks, debates, lab tours, interviews, and more.

The easiest way to celebrate World Quantum Day is to check out its official website and find an event near you. If there are no events in your area, you can participate in one of the many virtual events, organize an event of your own, or spread the word on social media using the hashtag #WorldQuantumDay.