On 4th November 2025, the CiS Research Institute invited the public to an open dialogue in the historic ballroom of Erfurt City Hall under the motto “Understanding quantum technologies – popular rather than scientific.” Interested citizens enjoyed an informative introduction to the event with experiments designed to give them an initial understanding of how superconductors work at low temperatures and how quantum magnetic field sensors are used in the search for mineral resources. Horse shoe bending not only allowed participants to demonstrate their strength, but also to learn about the workings of miniaturized silicon strain gauges.
The event was officially opened at around 6:00 p.m. with a welcome address by Lars Bredemeier, Deputy Head of the Department of Urban Development, Culture and World Heritage of the City of Erfurt.
“The FSU Jena and the TU Ilmenau have been conducting research in the field of quantum technologies for over five decades. This foundation was decisive for the establishment of companies in the Erfurt-Jena-Ilmenau technology triangle. Today, cutting-edge research in this field is being conducted in these three cities. In Erfurt, the CiS Research Institute sees itself as a bridge between research and industry and also aims to act as a mediator between these two and the public. The event offers the citizens of Erfurt and interested participants from Thuringia an insight into the state’s ongoing research and development activities and shows how the knowledge gained can contribute to the future shaping of society.”
Afterwards, around 60 interested participants joined Prof. Ortlepp, managing director of the CiS Research Institute, on a journey into the quantum world and the development of quantum computers. Without formulas and accompanied by little anecdotes, he explained the innovations that led to today’s quantum computers – from the first thoughts about “quantum nature” to modern applications in medicine, automotive engineering, and research. For the Erfurt audience in particular, there was a historical reference with pictures from semiconductor production at Funkwerk, the parent company of the Mikroelektronik combine.
It was a successful event that inspired questions, provided answers, and conveyed a wealth of interesting information on the topic.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the city of Erfurt for its support and for providing the festive setting for this event.
