Press release: Historic site for physics

No. 58 - 02.04.2025

European Physical Society honours the City of Göttingen – plaque in front of Forum Wissen

The European Physical Society (EPS) has named the City of Göttingen an “EPS Historic Site” in recognition of its leading role in the development of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics and so quantum physics were found in Göttingen in 1925. The new theory rapidly developed and, even to this day, continues to fundamentally shape our understanding of nature. The City and University soon became a leading centre of modern physics. In light of this, the UN General Assembly declared 2025 the “International Year of Quantum Science and Quantum Technology”. The official plaque showing the award will stand in front of the Forum Wissen – the knowledge museum of the University of Göttingen in Berliner Straße. It was unveiled in the evening on 1 April during a ceremony at the Göttingen Spring Meeting of the German Physical Society (DPG) in the Aula, Göttingen University’s Great Hall, on Wilhelmsplatz.

“Research always means dynamic change,” said University President Professor Axel Schölmerich. “The new colleagues who were appointed in recent years are our promise of scientific progress and new insights, and Göttingen continues to be the ideal place for this. We are delighted with this award for the entire city, because it honours not only the scientists, but also the many people who, as technicians and other staff, have contributed significantly to knowledge at every opportunity.”

“As Mayor, I am very pleased about this recognition on the occasion of the anniversary,” said Göttingen's Mayor Petra Broistedt. “The famous Göttingen Spirit, which even 100 years ago had already led to such great accomplishments, can still be felt in Göttingen. From the University to the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) to the numerous renowned research institutes: cutting-edge research is part of our city's DNA. Especially in times of increasing hostility towards science, academic freedom is a precious asset. It is up to all of us to protect this and continue our success story.“

On the occasion of the City of Göttingen being recognised as an “EPS Historic Site”, the EPS, together with the DPG and its other member societies from across Europe, emphasised the fundamental importance of quantum science for Europe and the future in a joint statement. The statement can be found here: www.eps.org/Europe-and-the-Future-of-Quantum-Science and www.dpg-physik.de/veroeffentlichungen/aktuell/2025/die-rolle-der-quantenwissenschaften-in-europa?set_language=en.