🌍 UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025
Celebrating 100 Years of Quantum Theory
SAYAS Member Dr. Yaseera Ismail Represents South Africa at UNESCO Paris Opening Ceremony
🎯 Historic Achievement: First Quantum Satellite Link in Southern Hemisphere
12,900 km
Beijing to Stellenbosch1.07 million
Secure bits in single passNature Journal Volume 640, 47–54 (2025)
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
UNESCO has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, signifying 100 years since the discovery of quantum theory, including the formulation of matrix mechanics by Heisenberg and the development of wave mechanics by Erwin Schrödinger. This global initiative aims to raise awareness, encourage collaboration, and highlight the foundational role of quantum science in modern physics and its critical contributions to scientific advancement and uses in daily life.
📊 Three Main Applications of Quantum Technology:
- Quantum Computing – Revolutionary processing capabilities
- Quantum Communication – Ultra-secure information transmission
- Quantum Sensing – Unprecedented measurement precision
The Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology took place at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 4th and 5th February, where the focus was on collaboration and inclusivity to drive the development of quantum technology. South Africa Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) member Dr Yaseera Ismail was an invited speaker on the panel, Public Education in Quantum Science and Technology.
🔬 Ground-breaking Research in Quantum Science
Recent ground-breaking research between Stellenbosch University and University of Science and Technology of China highlighted the power of collaboration to advance scientific progress in quantum communication technology. The team successfully implemented the first quantum satellite link in the Southern Hemisphere by performing quantum key distribution from a microsatellite launched in the lower earth orbit with an optical ground station mounted on the roof of the engineering building at Stellenbosch University.
🔐 What is Quantum Key Distribution?
Quantum key distribution allows two parties to share encryption keys in a way that guarantees security; any attempt at interception disturbs the quantum system and can be detected. This makes quantum key distribution a valuable way of protecting sensitive data.
This collaborative research has led to the longest intercontinental ultra-secure quantum communication link between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere of 12,900 km between Beijing and Stellenbosch. Clear skies and low humidity in Stellenbosch contributed to excellent signal quality, allowing the generation of over 1.07 million secure bits in a single satellite pass—an extraordinary milestone for quantum research on the African continent.
📸 Practical Application Demonstrated:
Using the secure keys generated via Jinan-1’s quantum link, high-resolution images were encrypted and transmitted between ground stations. This demonstrated practical, real-time application of QKD for secure data transfer.
👥 International Research Team
🇿🇦 South Africa
- Dr. Yaseera Ismail
SAYAS Member - Prof. Francesco Petruccione
ASSAF Member
🇨🇳 China
- Prof. Juan Yin
University of Science and Technology - Prof. Jianwei Pan
University of Science and Technology
Their ground-breaking research underscores the importance of international partnerships in pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation.
📅 SAYAS Celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology provides a timely opportunity to raise global awareness, promote collaborative research, and inspire a next generation of scientists and engineers to lead the quantum revolution.
🎯 Upcoming Panel Discussion
We will be unpacking the global Quantum Landscape and emphasising the current state-of-the-art and uses of quantum technology.
📄 Full Research Article
Download the complete article detailing South Africa’s quantum achievements and international collaboration
📥 Download PDF Article
Authored by: Dr. Yaseera Ismail (Stellenbosch University)
Issued by co-chairs: Prof David Lokhat and Dr Avela Majavu
Contact: kholani@assaf.org.za |
Website: www.sayas.org.za