On Thursday 11 June, European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva visited the Faculty of Science (FNWI) of the University of Amsterdam at Amsterdam Science Park. As Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, she is responsible for strengthening the EU’s position as a leader in research, innovation, science and technology.
Zaharieva was accompanied by Minister Rianne Letschert of Education, Culture and Science and Heleen Herbert, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. The delegation was received by rector magnificus Peter-Paul Verbeek, dean of science Susan te Pas and university professor Robbert Dijkgraaf. The purpose of her visit to Amsterdam Science Park was to discuss current developments in the rapidly changing world of quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI): what opportunities and risks they see, which innovations are on the horizon, and what preconditions are needed to deploy these developments in a responsible and effective way in Europe.
The delegation received, among other things, an introduction to quantum software research, the new Master’s programme in Quantum Computer Science and the construction of LabQ, with an emphasis on the importance of strategic investments in fundamental research for economic growth. This was followed by a tour of the quantum labs, where, using ultracold atoms, quantum computers and quantum clocks are being developed, and where the importance of research and education in these labs was central. Finally, in LAB42 the delegation was introduced to the latest developments in AI, including a demonstration of RoboLab – WhIRLwind and presentations on multilingual AI image generation and European collaboration in this field.
The visit underlines the position of Amsterdam Science Park as one of Europe’s leading environments for fundamental research and technological innovation. At the park, researchers, students and entrepreneurs work together on long-term solutions to societal challenges, with quantum and AI as two of the leading domains. The Faculty of Science (FNWI) of the University of Amsterdam plays a key role in this, among other things through the further development of the quantum sciences, the construction of LabQ and close collaborations with QuSoft and QDNL.
If you are interested in Amsterdam Science Park, exploring opportunities, or simply have a question, feel free to get in touch. We’ll be happy to help.
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