Wolfgang Hillen Summer School 2024

Final report

The Wolfgang-Hillen Summer School 2024 took place under the title “Cal-Bay Quantum School” from June 10-14, 2024, at the Research Campus Garching. Nearly 90 participants attended the event: 35 PhD students and postdocs from California and 40 from Bavaria. Additionally, 16 Principal Investigators (PIs), including both senior and junior group leaders from the participating institutions, were present and offered presentations during the school.

This event effectively strengthened the existing ties between the quantum science communities in California and Bavaria, deepening collaboration and extending these connections to include young researchers from prominent institutions including Caltech, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, Stanford University, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, LMU Munich, TU Munich, Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and the University of Regensburg.

Days 1-3: Talks, Poster Sessions, and Lab Tours

The first three days were packed with insightful talks by the participating PIs, leading experts in different quantum science fields. The topics presented included quantum algorithms,, using ultracold atoms for quantum simulations, machine learning, classical-quantum integration, 2D materials, and quantum sensing. Each day was structured to maximize interaction and learning, starting with morning lectures followed by afternoon poster sessions and lab tours. The talks featured a mix of introductions to make the topics accessible to a wide audience (with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and group leaders from very different areas), along with first-hand presentations of recent advancements in QST at the different participating institutions. This was very valuable for the participants, as it allowed them to dive deep into the topics and fostered a comprehensive understanding of the field.

The poster sessions offered participants the chance to present their research, sparking lively discussions and potential collaborations. In total, over 30 posters were presented, mainly by PhD students from both sides, showcasing very diverse work and fostering an environment of shared learning and networking opportunities.

The lab tours through various research groups and experiments provided attendees with an exclusive look at cutting-edge facilities, deepening their understanding of practical implementations. The tours were divided into two sessions: one day was dedicated to six different labs at the Garching Forschungszentrum, including the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, the Walther-Meißner-Institute, and the Walter Schottky Institute, while the other day showcased three different labs within the LMU Physics Department in the city center.

A highlight of the first days of the Cal-Bay Quantum School was the conference dinner at Gasthof Neuwirt in Garching on June 11, which provided a friendly atmosphere for deeper connections among participants. With 70 attendees, including PIs, PhDs, and postdocs, the conference dinner fostered rich exchanges of knowledge and experiences, all while enjoying a delicious meal together.

Day 4: PhD and Postdoc Talks

The fourth day of the Cal-Bay Quantum School was dedicated to PhD and Postdoc talks. On this day, 15 participants presented their research through engaging short talks, allowing them to showcase their work and receive valuable feedback from peers and senior researchers. This session fostered an environment of active discussion, idea exchange, and collaboration.

Day 5: Industry Day

The final day focused on quantum entrepreneurship, at the intersection of academic research and industry applications. The morning session provided an introduction on how to start a quantum start-up, covering essential steps and considerations for budding entrepreneurs. This was followed by presentations and a panel discussion featuring founders of companies from the Bavarian quantum community, who shared their journeys, challenges, and successes, offering inspiration and practical tips to participants.

Social Activities

Throughout the week of the Cal-Bay Quantum School, we designed a range of social activities to enhance networking and foster a sense of community among participants. Each day, extended lunches and coffee breaks at the Faculty Club of TUM-IAS provided ample opportunities for informal interactions and engaging discussions in a relaxed setting.

The week kicked off with an informal Welcome Dinner on June 10 at the Augustiner Beergarden in Garching. This lively gathering set a welcoming tone for the week ahead, offering a chance for everyone to mingle and begin forging connections in a casual environment.

On Wednesday, June 12, the free afternoon featured organized activities including a city tour through the center of Munich and a bowling outing. Some participants took part in these planned events, while others took the opportunity to enjoy informal gatherings and explore the area at their own pace.

Impact and Future Prospects

By offering the option for research stays before and after the summer school, participants had the chance to explore the academic environment and research activities at the host institutions more thoroughly. Notably, many attendees from California took advantage of this opportunity to prolong their visit to Munich, staying at individual research groups for an extra period of 1-3 weeks.

The Cal-Bay Quantum School, Wolfgang Hillen Summer School 2024, was a resounding success, significantly strengthening the ties between the Californian and Bavarian quantum research communities. The event not only facilitated valuable discussions on continuing and expanding the collaboration but also laid a solid foundation for future initiatives. Participants departed with enhanced knowledge, a wider network of peers and mentors, and a shared enthusiasm for future joint work. Building on this momentum, plans for future collaborative efforts are already underway, promising further exciting events and continued growth in the field of Quantum Science and Technology.