A research-driven quantum information programme connecting students across Europe through real scientific projects, international collaboration, and close supervision.
Quantum research across universities
Q-LUMEN — the Quantum Leiden Ulm Milan ETH Network — is an international programme for students who want to explore quantum information beyond the standard lecture format. It brings together students and supervisors from ETH Zurich, Leiden University, Ulm University, and the University of Milano.
At the centre of Q-LUMEN is a supervised research project. Students work in pairs, choose a scientific question, learn the tools needed to approach it, and develop their results over several months. The programme is designed for students who are curious about quantum information, quantum technology, and the way modern research is actually done.
Q-LUMEN is aimed at advanced Bachelor students and early Master students in physics, quantum science, computer science, mathematics, or related fields with an interest in quantum information and quantum technologies.
You do not need to be an expert already. What matters is a strong motivation to learn, a willingness to work independently, and an interest in engaging with open scientific questions.
Students work in teams of two and are supervised by researchers from the partner universities.
The programme starts with an in-person kickoff meeting, continues with regular supervision and project work, and ends with scientific presentations where students share their results with the full Q-LUMEN cohort.
Projects are connected to current topics in quantum information, from theory and simulation to concepts relevant for emerging quantum technologies.
You collaborate with another student and learn how to develop ideas, divide tasks, communicate results, and solve problems.
Each project is guided by researchers who help you enter the topic, understand the methods, and possibly shape your work into a scientific publication.
Quantum information is developing quickly, and many of its most exciting questions sit between physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. Q-LUMEN gives students a chance to experience this interdisciplinary field from the inside: by working on a project where the answer is not already written in a textbook.
Along the way, students strengthen their scientific independence, learn to present technical ideas clearly, and build connections with peers and researchers at other European universities. The goal is not only to learn about quantum information, but to experience how international research in quantum science works.
Participants deepen their knowledge of quantum information, gain experience with research-level problem solving, and develop practical skills in scientific collaboration, writing, and presentation. Strong projects may also provide a starting point for further research, a thesis topic, or even a joint publication.
Project topics may involve theoretical concepts, numerical methods, quantum algorithms, open-system dynamics, quantum simulation, quantum communication, or other areas of quantum information, depending on the supervisors and research themes of each edition.
Format
Q-LUMEN begins with an in-person kickoff meeting at Ulm University. Students meet the cohort, get introduced to possible research directions, connect with supervisors, and form project teams.
After the kickoff, teams continue their projects through collaboration and regular supervision. Research visits to partner institutions are part of the project. The programme concludes with mid-term and final presentations, giving students the opportunity to discuss their work in a scientific setting.
Q-LUMEN is supported through the Global Teaching Labs framework, which encourages internationally connected teaching and innovative learning formats.
Within this framework, Q-LUMEN creates a space where students can combine advanced scientific training with international collaboration — two skills that are increasingly central in quantum science and technology.