GQuantum Education Outreach Initiative

In Celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025) 

On Saturday, March 31, 2025, the Mathematical and Computational Physics Unit under the Department of Physics at KNUST launched its first Quantum Education Outreach Program at St. Louis Senior High School. 

This initiative is part of the UN-declared International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025) — a global year-long celebration marking 100 years since the formal birth of quantum mechanics.

The outreach reflects our commitment to equitable access to science education and the growth of Africa’s quantum ecosystem.

 Why Senior High School Students? 
The program specifically targets third-year SHS students in the Ashanti Region, given that they stand at a critical juncture in choosing future academic and career paths. By introducing them to modern physics early, we wish to inspire curiosity, broaden perspectives, and highlight emerging opportunities in quantum science and technology.

 Program Highlights 
1. ‌ Opening Lecture: Dr. Henry Martin presented a journey through the historical foundations of modern physics to celebrate pioneers such as Planck, Einstein, Schrödinger, Dirac, Bohr, and other key figures from the 1927 Solvay Conference.

2. ‌ Department Showcase:  Students were introduced to academic programs offered by the Department of Physics at KNUST (with more  emphasis on what Mathematical and Computational Physics entails) and encouraged to envision a future where African scientists lead innovation in quantum technologies.

3. ‌Quantum Fundamentals & Quantum Futures: Mr. Mark Paal explained core quantum concepts such as superposition, wave-particle duality, and the uncertainty principle. Meanwhile, Ms. Dorcas Attuabea led a session on real-world quantum applications and the emerging landscape of quantum careers.
 

4. ‌Hands-On Engagement: Mr. Henry Elorm Quarshie and Moses Kukubor led the Students to partake in interactive experiments and simulations that brought abstract concepts to life—bridging the gap between theory and experience. This session was supported by some undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Unit. 

Promoting Equity and Inclusion 
St. Louis SHS—a leading girls' school—was intentionally chosen to encourage female participation in quantum science and STEM fields.

 Looking Ahead 
This event marks the beginning of a series of outreach activities planned for SHS's across the Ashanti Region throughout 2025 and beyond. 

The goal is to build awareness and local capacity in quantum science education.

Acknowledgments 
Special thanks to all members of the Mathematical and Computational Physics Unit whose dedication made this day a success. And to all our Sponsors and Partners local and International, we say Ayekoo! 

The mission continues...