Explore Cutting-Edge Science: Ashtekar Frontiers of Science Lectures Kicking Off January 25 at Penn State University!

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Get ready for the Ashtekar Frontiers of Science Lectures at Penn State, returning for its 31st year on January 25. This year’s theme is “2025: Year of Quantum.” It will dive into the fascinating world of quantum physics and its impact on materials, health, computing, and communication.

The series celebrates the centenary of quantum mechanics and the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Over six Saturdays, starting January 25, experts will share insights into quantum research that’s shaping our future.

Each lecture will cover exciting topics. You’ll learn about:

• The role of quantum computing in advancing various scientific fields.
• How quantum materials affect chemistry and new technologies.
• Challenges in quantum communications and privacy.
• The behavior of quantum gases and what that means for science.
• Solving error rates in quantum computers for reliable calculations.
• Innovative solutions for building networks in quantum computing.

Join us on Saturdays from January 25 through March 1, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 100 Thomas Building on Penn State’s University Park campus. After each talk, there will be a chance for Q&A with graduate students from the Eberly College of Science helping to moderate.

Here are the scheduled speakers:

Jan. 25: Sascha Meinrath from the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications discusses privacy in the quantum age.

Feb. 1: Lukas Muechler combines chemistry and physics in his talk about quantum materials.

Feb. 8: Xiantao Li explores what quantum computing can achieve for scientific calculations.

Feb. 15: Marcos Rigol tells the story of classical vs. quantum gases.

Feb. 22: Abhinav Kandala, a Ph.D. graduate from Penn State now at IBM Quantum, focuses on accurate quantum computing.

March 1: Jun Zhu shares insights on creating a quantum information network using topological edge states.

For more details about the Ashtekar Lectures, check out science.psu.edu/frontiers.

These lectures were founded by Abhay Ashtekar in 1995 and have become an important science event in central Pennsylvania, thanks to the dedication of Barbara Kennedy, who managed the series for its first 25 years.

Penn State is committed to accessibility. If you need accommodations or have any questions about accessibility options, please contact 814-867-5830 or email sci-comm@psu.edu.