In celebration of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the American Physical Society (APS) Innovation Fund is supporting projects that enhance public engagement, broaden participation, and improve education in quantum science. With the generous support of APS, the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI), a research partnership between the University of Maryland (UMD) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will host a workshop this summer aimed at providing science communicators—including science writers, podcasters, visual artists and other content creators—with a deeper understanding of quantum science and technology. The 2.5-day event, scheduled for July 31 through Aug. 2, 2025 on campus at UMD, will equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively convey topics in quantum science and technology to a broad audience.
The workshop is being organized by a trio of physicists and science communicators:
- Chris Cesare, the Director of Communications and Outreach at JQI. Chris earned a Ph.D. in physics at the University of New Mexico before enrolling in the science communication program at UC Santa Cruz.
- Emily Edwards, an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University. Emily, the former Director of Communications and Outreach at JQI, earned a Ph.D. in physics at the University of Maryland and leads the Q2Work program.
- Chad Orzel, the R. Gordon Gould Associate Professor and Chair of Physics and Astronomy at Union College. Chad earned his Ph.D. in physics at the University of Maryland and is the author of several popular science books, including How to Teach Quantum Physics to your Dog.
In an era where scientific literacy is more crucial than ever, the ability to communicate complex scientific topics with clarity is a valuable skill. This workshop will bring together approximately two dozen selected participants, offering them a unique opportunity to learn from both the scientists on the front lines of the second quantum revolution as well as successful science communicators.
Workshop highlights will include:
- Expert Talks: Attendees will benefit from presentations by working physicists who will delve into the often counterintuitive world of quantum physics, exploring topics from quantum entanglement to the latest advancements in quantum computing.
- Science Communication Sessions: Participants will hear from accomplished science communicators who will share their strategies and experiences in making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for various audiences.
- Networking Opportunities: The workshop will provide ample opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, experts, and students, fostering collaborations and sharing ideas on effective science communication.
The application is now open: https://forms.gle/2Eafo1hfmhyywnWZ7. The selection process will focus on identifying candidates who demonstrate a strong interest in quantum physics and a passion for science communication. Applications are due April 28, 2025.
If you have questions about the workshop or the application, please email Chris Cesare at ccesare@umd.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will travel support be provided? Thanks to the APS Innovation Fund, we have a budget to support travel and hotel accommodations for around 25 people. If you have an alternative source of support (professional development grant from work, personal funds, etc.), you can note in the application that you won't require support.
- Will food be provided? We plan to provide breakfast and lunch each day and are planning to host a workshop dinner on Thursday or Friday. If you're selected to attend, we will reach out to you about any dietary restrictions and will do our best to accommodate those.
- Will the workshop tell us more about [your favorite topic]? Maybe! Our agenda is not yet set in stone. On the application, there's a question about what topics you'd like to see covered during the workshop, so please let us know if there's a particular aspect of quantum physics or quantum information that you would like to know more about. Standard things like quantum superposition, quantum entanglement, and quantum computing will definitely be part of the agenda.
- Where did the name/idea for the workshop come from? This is actually the third Schrödinger Sessions workshop, although it's the first since 2016. Emily Edwards and Chad Orzel (and Chris Cesare for the second one) were also involved in planning the earlier workshops. For a bit more context, check out a blog post that Chad wrote back in 2015 introducing the original Schrödinger Sessions workshop. The difference this time is our focus on attendeees: We want to reach science communicators more generally. We take a pretty broad view of what counts as science communication, but if you're not sure about whether you should apply, please email Chris Cesare.
About the Joint Quantum Institute
The Joint Quantum Institute is a premier research center dedicated to curiosity-driven research that advances the understanding of quantum physics with an eye toward potential applications in information science and technology.