Overview and general information
Q-LUMEN — the Quantum Leiden Ulm Milan ETH Network — is an international, research-oriented teaching programme in quantum information. It connects Master’s students with research groups at ETH Zurich, Leiden University, Ulm University, and the University of Milano through supervised research projects carried out in international teams.
Students work in pairs across institutions and are integrated remotely into a host research group, where they collaborate on a shared scientific question under close supervision. The programme combines sustained virtual collaboration with targeted in-person meetings, creating a structured but flexible environment for research-based learning in an international context.
Q-LUMEN is designed not only to deepen scientific knowledge in quantum information, but also to foster intercultural communication, teamwork, and research skills. By working across academic cultures and institutional boundaries, participants gain experience that goes well beyond a conventional Master’s course and are prepared for future roles in international research environments.
The programme is aimed at Master’s-level students, especially those in their first year, in physics, quantum science, and related fields such as computer science or mathematics with a focus on quantum information. Around 15 students will be selected for each edition, based on scientific qualification and motivation.
Q-LUMEN begins with an in-person kickoff meeting, where students and supervisors meet, research ideas are introduced, and project teams are formed. Students then enter a phase of remotely supervised research, working together across universities and countries over several months. Depending on the project and available resources, this collaboration is complemented by short research visits to partner institutions.
The programme also includes an intermediate presentation phase for feedback and exchange, followed by a final meeting where students present their results and reflect on their experience. In the best case, the collaboration may even lead to a joint scientific publication.
A central idea of Q-LUMEN is that internationalisation should be part of the learning experience itself, not an optional add-on. Rather than treating mobility as a separate activity, the programme embeds international collaboration directly into research-based teaching. English serves as the shared working language, and students learn to communicate scientific ideas across cultural and disciplinary boundaries.
At the same time, Q-LUMEN strengthens long-term academic links between the participating institutions and offers a model that can grow beyond its initial format. The project is conceived as a scalable and transferable approach to internationally connected higher education in quantum science and beyond.
The programme will begin with an in-person kickoff meeting at Ulm University in October 2026. Subsequent meetings may take place either in person or online, depending on available resources and the structure of the respective project phase.
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