The ninth edition of the Okinawa School in Physics (OSP), organized by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), took place from September 21 to October 3, 2025. This year's summer school marked the beginning of a new phase for the long-running series, reflecting the rapid evolution of quantum science and technology.
Originally launched in 2014 by Professor Thomas Busch and Professor Síle Nic Chormaic, the summer school-previously titled Okinawa School in Physics: Coherent Quantum Dynamics (CQD)-has built a strong international reputation, helping to establish OIST as a hub for international collaboration and excellence in quantum research and education. Over the past decade, it has welcomed around 40 participants each year from across the globe, providing early-career researchers with foundational training in quantum dynamics and opportunities to present their work through poster sessions.
With OIST's selection as one of Japan's Quantum Innovation Hubs (QIH), the renewed OSP reflects the institute's growing leadership role in this area. The refreshed series aims to address the current landscape of quantum science and technology, which spans physics, materials science, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
"The new series will alternate topics each year, covering both fundamental principles and real-world applications of quantum technologies," says Professor David Elkouss, head of OIST's Networked Quantum Devices Unit, and one of the organizers of this year's OSP. The 2025 edition, titled "From Quantum Key Distribution to the Quantum Internet," focused on quantum communication and quantum cryptography-fields in which OIST is uniquely strong within Japan. This first renewed edition brought together experts and young researchers to exchange ideas, discuss the latest developments, and explore future collaborations.
This year's event has been widely celebrated by participants, highlighting the stimulating discussions and beautiful settings of the summer school. Discussing the event's introductory session from Professor Artur Ekert, lecturer Mina Doosti of the University of Edinburgh, notes, "I don't think there is a more beautiful way to teach the things that Artur did. Those lectures were full of insights, full of story and history and ideas, even full of art."
Part of the 2025 summer school was held as part of Japan's Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP)*, undertaking initiatives to strengthen ties between academia and industry in Japan's growing quantum ecosystem. By combining academic excellence with industrial innovation, the renewed OSP continues to serve as a gateway for scientific exchange between Asia and the world.
* Japan's Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI) under the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) for "Promoting the application of advanced quantum technology platforms to social issues" (Funding agency: QST).
About the OIST Center for Quantum Technologies
Established in 2022, the OIST Center for Quantum Technologies (OCQT) is an international hub for research and talent development in quantum technology. Guided by Japan's Quantum Future Society Vision, OCQT serves as a central platform for international collaborative research, interdisciplinary exploration of quantum technologies, and the development of talent with global mobility. The center also supports international exchange through workshops and summer schools and promotes collaboration with industry as well as technology transfers to nurture the next generation of international quantum researchers.
