Science builds bridges: Quantum Alliance at the world’s largest physics meeting
The first hybrid March Meeting of the American Physical Society (APS) started on March 14th in Chicago and online. As the largest physics meeting in 2022, APS March Meeting brought together 12.000 physicists from all around the globe for scientific exchange on fundamental research. The Quantum Alliance presented at the booth “Research in Germany” specific opportunities for doing research in Germany on quantum science and technologies. The seven German clusters of excellence and research centers working on quantum science and technology founded the Quantum Alliance to highlight their impact in the field. With their combined strength, they support networking of early career researchers throughout Germany and build bridges to other international partners. The headquarters of the Quantum Alliance rotates each year, and in 2022 the Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers hosts the headquarters.
Encouraging collaboration and exchange
Right from the start of the APS March Meeting it was reaffirmed how important it is to be able to attend conferences in person and speak with others in person. Over the four days there was a constant flow of visitors to the “Research in Germany” booth. Some shared their experiences of a great research stay in Germany. Others learned more about how to collaborate with German researchers, set up exchanges for PhDs, and find a postdoctoral research position. A highlight of the event was meeting representatives of the Chicago Quantum Exchange and discussing how to better support diversity in physics and potential future collaborations on education initiatives.
The online workshop on Wednesday March 16th, titled “How to do Physics in Germany” supported the exchange at the booth in Chicago, by providing international researchers with insights into different research and funding opportunities and possible career paths in the field of physics in Germany.
