World Quantum Day 2024 – 14 April World Quantum Day is annually observed across the globe on 14 April to raise public awareness and understanding of quantum science and technology around the world.
14 April 2024 marks the observance of the 3rd World Quantum Day.
Background:
i.The World Quantum Day was launched on 14 April 2021, as an initiative from quantum scientists from over 65 countries around the World.
ii.The first-ever global World Quantum Day was observed on 14 April 2022.
Why April 14?
i.The World Quantum Day falls on April 14 (4/14 in month/day format), a reference to 4.14, the rounded first digits of Planck’s constant.
ii.Planck’s constant, 4.1356677×10−15 electron volt second (eV.s) = 0.000 000 000 000 004 1356677 eV.s.
iii.It is a fundamental constant in quantum physics, representing the product of energy and time.
Note: On 2 May 2023, the United States of America (USA) Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by Senators Todd Young and Maggie Hassan to commemorate and support the goals of World Quantum Day.
Significance:
i.World Quantum Day is decentralised and bottom-up initiative, involving scientists, engineers, educators, communicators, entrepreneurs, etc, and encourages participation from various fields.
ii.It is a day to celebrate the language of the universe, the language of quantum mechanics.
iii.Quantum mechanics is the fundamental theory in physics, describing the behaviour of elementary particles, the building blocks of the world.
Objectives:
i.Foster public engagement in Quantum Science and Technology.
ii.Illuminate its role in understanding nature and technological advancements.
iii.Anticipate future scientific, and technological revolutions and societal impacts.