Quantum technologies (QT) are widely recognised as a transformative force with the potential to revolutionise key sectors such as IT, pharmacy, chemistry, and energy. Within this context, the participation of Widening Countries in cutting-edge technological development is essential not only to reduce the innovation gap within Europe, but also to strengthen the EU’s overall competitiveness in the global high-tech industry landscape. Poland is particularly well-positioned to contribute to this effort. It benefits from internationally recognised expertise in theoretical physics, a strong community of highly skilled IT professionals, and advanced high-performance computing infrastructure. However, the development of Quantum Technology faces substantial barriers.
Due to the intricate nature of quantum processes, quantum states are often very fragile, and designing useful devices requires modelling with advanced theoretical and numerical tools. There is also a barrier on the theory side: despite potentially groundbreaking ideas, many concepts remain unexplored due to the absence of suitable modelling methods to demonstrate their applicability potential.
The project’s main objective is “to foster 'brain circulation', implement best practices in science, and close the research-business gap, via achieving excellence in quantum technology modelling at the Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CTP PAS), due to the leadership of the worldclass researchers - ERA Chair Holder - and the creation of a permanent and excellent research group”, while specific objectives are as follows: (i) Reforming the institute by creating the Research Support Center and introducing new policies, and effective procedures in HR, gender balance and commercialization; (ii) Strengthening R&I potential, increasing mobility of CTP PAS by creating a permanent and excellent international research Modelling for Quantum Technologies group for brain gain; (iii) Developing methods for many-body open quantum systems for the emerging quantum technologies to position CTP PAS among world leaders in Modelling for Quantum Technologies; (iv) Developing excellence capacity and expanded resources within Poland and internationally via setting a platform for software for quantum systems modelling; (v) Communicating R&I results and experience to all stakeholders inside and outside Poland to contribute to Europe's competitiveness and growth.
The Modelling Center for Quantum Technologies group at the CTP PAS, Poland, which is being developed within the EUCENTRAL project, aims to bridge the theory-experiment gap by developing and applying new methods to describe open quantum many-body systems comprehensively. Additionally, it will address the academia-business gap by establishing an open-source-based quantum modelling centre and fostering connections with research and industry partners through various dissemination and exploitation measures. With the expertise, networking capabilities, and commitment of the ERA Chair Holder, this group of excellence strives to become a world leader in quantum system modelling, unlocking the full potential of theoretical research at the CTP PAS. Project’s expected outcomes include: CTP PAS will be reformed into a European-class institute supporting research and innovation, functioning in accordance with the highest EU standards as evidenced by the number of EU projects; CTP PAS joins the world leaders in modelling for quantum technologies, and reaches a competitive position in EU; The increased attractiveness of CTP PAS to trigger an exchange of talented physicists, informaticians and mathematicians between CTP PAS and world-class institutions and EU companies; Open quantum software used and developed by research groups and companies worldwide. Modelling methods adopted by a quantum technology startup(s) or major company for design of their product; New experts in quantum technologies for advancing science, fostering societal benefits, influencing national policies; Increased society awareness about quantum technologies and the upcoming technological changes.
Project’s expected impacts include: Implementation of best practices and effective institutional reforms by institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences; Optimal utilisation of existing research infrastructure to maximise the resources available for scientific exploration and innovation; Attracting and retaining excellent talents in Poland in the field of Quantum Technology, to accelerate Polish development in the emerging technology and catch up and contribute to European growth; Establishing bridges and promoting increased mobility between academia and business; Fostering a collaborative and interconnected research landscape of academia and industry units in and outside Poland; Democratic and inclusive technology-based society and the Polish policymakers aware of Quantum Technologies.
Overall, by addressing both scientific and structural challenges, the project contributes to creating conditions necessary to unlock the full potential of quantum theory for real-world applications. It contributes not only to advancing knowledge, but also to fostering economic growth, technological advances, and societal readiness for the quantum age.
