Quantum sensing for fundamental physics institute

31 Aug 2026, 09:00 → 11 Sept 2026, 18:00 Europe/Zurich

4/3-006 - TH Conference Room (CERN)

Clara Murgui Galvez (CERN), Diego Blas (ICREA/IFAE), Hannah Banks, Joachim Kopp (Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz (DE)), Mario Reig Lopez, Maurizio Pierini (CERN)

The institute will bring together theoretical and experimental expertise to develop the science case for quantum sensing in fundamental physics. The goal is to identify how quantum sensors can be optimized to open previously unexplored regions of parameter space, clarify the most compelling targets, match them to the most suitable sensor platforms, and define a roadmap from near-term demonstrations to discovery-oriented experiments, while also assessing which physics questions can be addressed by the most mature and rapidly developing directions in quantum sensing. The goal is to identify how quantum sensors can be optimized to open previously unexplored regions of parameter space, clarify the most compelling targets, match them to the most suitable sensor platforms, and define a roadmap from near-term demonstrations to discovery-oriented experiments. The Institute will place particular emphasis on activities connected to CERN, including the Atom Interferometer CERN Experiment (AICE) and the axion-detector demonstrator, strengthening the link between theoretical motivation, experimental design, and CERN’s broader fundamental-physics program.

The format will be deliberately interactive, with only a couple of talks each day and ample time reserved for discussion. Guided discussion and brainstorming sessions will be used to identify shared challenges, compare theoretical approaches, and formulate concrete next steps. The aim is to build a broad and coherent theoretical case for quantum sensors as promising tools for fundamental physics, identifying the range of phenomena they can probe and the opportunities where CERN can play a leading role.

The registration deadline is 15th June. Accepted participants will be notified short after the deadline. 

 

Monday 31 August

09:00 → 09:20 Welcome

Speakers: Clara Murgui Galvez (CERN), Mario Reig Lopez