On 11 June 2026, researchers from Austria and Germany gathered at TU Wien to celebrate the launch of Qnnect, a new FWF-funded Special Research Programme dedicated to "Neutral-Atom Quantum Systems with High Connectivity". The event marked the official start of the four-year initiative, which brings together scientists from TU Wien, the University of Vienna, ISTA, the University of Innsbruck, and LMU Munich to advance the next generation of quantum simulators based on ultracold atoms and molecules.

The programme opened with welcome addresses by Prof. Andrei Pimenov, Dean of the Faculty of Physics, Prof. Peter Ertl, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and International Affairs, and Dr. Elisabeth Schludermann, Head of Research Management and Science Support at TU Wien. The eight principal investigators then presented the programme’s research projects, offering an overview of the scientific goals and collaborative opportunities that will shape Qnnect over the coming years. During the following poster session, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers put their work on display, sparking lively discussions and the exchange of ideas across the collaboration.

“The launch of Qnnect brings together a unique combination of expertise from leading research institutions in Austria and Germany,” said Prof. Thomas Pohl, spokesperson of the programme and professor at TU Wien. “We are excited to see what we can achieve together.”

With 67 participants representing five institutions, the kickoff meeting provided a strong and inspiring start to this ambitious collaborative effort.

Further information about the programme is available on the Qnnect website:
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