Kyung Hee University opened the Global Research Centre for Quantum Materials in November 2024, solidifying Korea's lead in quantum science and quantum technology. The groundbreaking moment was accompanied by a ceremony at the now-retired College of Science attended by special guests, including Nobel Laureate and centre founding director Professor Konstantin Novoselov.
“I’m excited to join this journey toward the future of quantum research and innovation”, Novoselov remarked, emphasizing the global relevance of quantum materials in shaping the next generation of science and technology.
President Jinsang Kim highlighted the importance of quantum science as a field that will shape the future and confirmed Kyung Hee's leadership in world research. "With the opening of this Center and the hiring of world-class scholars, Kyung Hee is establishing itself in quantum innovation," he said.
The event saw key figures from Korea's public and scientific sectors gather. Seoul Deputy Mayor Byung-min Kim and Sangwook Han, President of the Quantum Information Society of Korea, both gave congratulatory speeches, highlighting the national significance of quantum development. They highlighted how quantum phenomena and quantum behavior at the microscopic level are now being brought to bear in practical applications, supported by Seoul's strategic investments in R&D and talent development.
The center leadership is made up of Professors Philip Kim and Novoselov, a world-renowned physicist with expertise in quantum particle dynamics and quantum states. With an accomplished and diversified faculty from physics, mathematics, chemistry, and applied physics, together they strive to create a joint environment for enhancing quantum materials as well as underlying particle physics. The multidisciplinary group will concentrate on realizing quantum bits, scalable quantum systems, and state-of-the-art materials science study platforms.
The project aims to promote innovation not just in Korea but also beyond borders, making Kyung Hee a global research hub for quantum computing and physical systems. The centre will also help to understand the physical properties of new materials and how they can be integrated into future computing and communication systems.
Two inspiring lectures preceded the launch. Professor Sang Wook Kim delivered "Quantum Physics for Everyone," a very educational overview of fundamental concepts like quantum entanglement, superposition, and why classical computers are unlike quantum machines. He explained how these concepts can lead to paradigm shifts in areas as diverse as healthcare and finance.
Professor Novoselov's speech, 'Materials for the Future', highlighted the ways in which material innovations such as graphene can be used to produce self-healing surfaces and smart systems. He explained how AI is transforming materials science, paving the way for breakthroughs that bridge the digital and physical world.
The Global Research Center for Quantum Materials will be a shining beacon of quantum science, exploring the frontiers of possibility in quantum physics, computation, and communications. Driven by world-class leadership and scientific excellence vision, Kyung Hee University is spearheading Korea's quantum leap forward.
