The University of Salzburg is pleased to be part of the newly established “WSS Research Center for Molecular Quantum Systems.” This center, a collaboration between the University of Basel, the University of Bern, and the University of Salzburg, aims to advance the development of superconducting quantum units. The Werner Siemens Foundation is supporting the project with a total of 15 million Swiss francs over the next eleven years.

The research center focuses on the development of topological quantum bits (qubits), which are particularly robust against external influences due to their unique structure. By combining superconducting materials with specially designed molecular structures, the goal is to develop long-lasting and reliable qubits that operate faster and more efficiently than existing technologies.

The University of Salzburg contributes its expertise in the theoretical calculation of interactions between molecules and superconductors to this interdisciplinary project. Ulrich Aschauer from the Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials leads the research at the University of Salzburg. By closely integrating physics and chemistry, as well as theory and experiment, researchers aim to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between synthesized molecules and superconductors. A particular focus is placed on comparing theoretical models with experiments conducted at extremely low temperatures.

With this interdisciplinary approach, researchers at the new WSS Research Center aim to lay the foundation for quantum computers that are less error-prone and function on the nanometer scale—ideal conditions for industrial scaling and integration into electronic components. In the long term, this research could contribute to the development of quantum computers capable of solving complex problems such as climate modeling or medical simulations. At the same time, the project makes an important contribution to more sustainable energy use in information processing.

“For this promising qubit architecture, much fundamental understanding still needs to be developed. A project of this size and duration allows the University of Salzburg to establish itself in this cutting-edge research direction. The University of Salzburg is proud to be part of this innovative project and looks forward to close collaboration with its partner universities in Basel and Bern”, says Ulrich Aschauer.