It’s World Quantum Day, an annual global observance meant to spotlight the science shaping the future of computing, communications and cybersecurity.
While the April 14 observance began as a grassroots effort to raise public awareness around quantum science, researchers say it now comes amid a broader global push to mark roughly 100 years since the birth of quantum mechanics.
In Columbus, the day underscores the work that has helped make Ohio State University a major player in quantum research and central Ohio a growing hub for next-generation technology.
At the center of that work is Ohio State’s Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering, known as CQISE, co-led by Ezekiel Johnston-Halperin, a physics professor, and Ronald M. Reano, a professor of electrical and computer engineering.
The center brings together researchers across physics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering to advance work in quantum computing, sensing, networking and secure communications.
Johnston-Halperin said the field is now entering what researchers call a second quantum revolution, one centered on how quantum information can reshape the same kinds of systems people already rely on every day— computers, communication networks and sensors.
“The name uses the word ‘information’ the same way we use the word in ‘information technology,'” Johnston-Halperin said, referring to computers, networks and digital sensors.
“What the field is discovering is that there’s a second quantum revolution about how quantum mechanics can fundamentally affect those areas of information technology.”
What is World Quantum Day?
World Quantum Day is observed each year on April 14, a nod to the first three digits of Planck’s constant— 4.14 — one of the foundational constants in quantum physics.
In simple terms, quantum physics looks at how the tiniest building blocks of the universe behave, helping scientists better understand everything from how light moves to how future computers and ultra-secure communication systems could work.
The day was created to make quantum science more accessible to the public and to highlight how the field is increasingly shaping industries from medicine to national security.
Johnston-Halperin said the observance also comes as the science world marks roughly 100 years since the birth of quantum mechanics, a scientific shift he described as impossible to overstate in its impact.
“That changed all of science,” Johnston-Halperin said. “Everything from physics to chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy— everything was shaken up by that revolution.”
How has Columbus become a quantum leader?
Ohio State’s recent work includes the first quantum key distribution link demonstrated on its campus, using in-ground optical fiber to create ultra-secure communications pathways.
Researchers are also working on Ohio’s first intercity quantum-secure network between Columbus and Dayton, a project that could have major implications for protecting financial systems, healthcare networks and public infrastructure.
Reano said the work allows researchers to send single photons through existing fiber optic lines to create encryption keys and detect eavesdroppers in near real time.
“One of the cool things about quantum key distribution is it is using the quantum properties of light to detect the presence of an eavesdropper in near real time,” Reano said.
The university has also launched one of the nation’s first stand-alone graduate programs in quantum information science and engineering, helping build a workforce pipeline for Ohio’s growing technology economy.
“People who are going to be working in that field and building that field really need some understanding of these quantum information concepts,” Johnston-Halperin said.
Why should people care about World Quantum Day?
While quantum research can sound highly theoretical, Ohio State leaders say the work has real-world applications in cybersecurity, healthcare imaging, advanced materials and secure communications, with long-term implications for jobs and industry growth in Ohio.
A major part of that effort is Ohio State’s Quantum Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, or QuGIP, one of the nation’s first stand-alone graduate pathways in quantum information science and engineering designed to train future researchers and technology leaders.
Johnston-Halperin said the workforce impact extends beyond researchers, with applications in manufacturing, communications, automotive quality control and community college education partnerships, including work with Columbus State Community College.
“The real impact is the halo of jobs around that,” Johnston-Halperin said.
Some have raised concerns that rapid advances in quantum computing could eventually outpace today’s encryption standards, though researchers note that much of Ohio State’s work is specifically focused on building quantum-secure communications systems designed to strengthen cybersecurity rather than weaken it.
Johnston-Halperin said that tension reflects the double-edged nature of technological innovation, but he believes Ohio is well positioned to help shape the field responsibly.
“We have a long history of building things and making things,” Johnston-Halperin said. “We’re really excited about the science discoveries that are coming, but also the opportunity to stimulate the Ohio tech economy.”
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How Columbus is leading the way on World Quantum Day
Reporting by Amani Bayo, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
