The Brussels Institute for Advanced Studies and the Waseda University Brussels Office organize the 7th Waseda Brussels Conference on Next-Generation Quantum Technology through the Fusion of Nanophotonics and Atomic Physics.
With the support of The Mission of Japan to the European Union.
About the Conference
Quantum Sciences and Technologies — new technologies and systems using the properties of quantum mechanics — are among the most dynamic areas of fundamental research and innovation today. They underpin breakthroughs in advanced computing, artificial intelligence, sensing and metrology, biomedical research, weather and climate modelling, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy.
Given the major scientific and technological challenges, the European Union and Japan are intensifying collaboration in quantum research through increased investment, public-private partnerships, and coordinated strategies such as the Quantum Europe Strategy, Japan’s National Quantum Strategy, and the EU-Japan Letter of Intent on Strengthening Cooperation in Quantum Sciences & Technologies.
This conference explores how recent advances in quantum technology — particularly in nanophotonics and atomic physics — are driving the development of large-scale distributed quantum computing and global quantum networks. It also aims to strengthen EU–Japan collaboration through dialogue, project development, and funding synergies.
25/11/2025 – Conference Schedule
Agenda
- 08:30 – 09:00 Registration & Welcome Coffee
Welcome Words & Policy Session
Chair: Jean-Louis Moortgat (Waseda University Brussels Office)
- Masahiko Gemma – Vice-President for International Affairs & International Fundraising, Waseda University
- Anne Weyembergh – Vice-Rector for External Relations & Cooperation, Université libre de Bruxelles
- Franz Deconinck – Co-Director, Brussels Institute for Advanced Studies
- H.E. Kazutoshi Aikawa – Ambassador, Mission of Japan to the European Union
- H.E. Jean-Eric Paquet (video message) – Ambassador of the European Union to Japan
- European representative (TBC)
Introduction of Quantum Technology in Waseda
- 10:00 – 10:15 Takao Aoki (Waseda University)
- 10:15 – 10:30 Coffee break
Session I – Experiments with Laser-Cooled Atoms
Chair: Takao Aoki (Waseda University)
- Arno Rauschenbeutel (Humboldt University of Berlin) – Hybrid Trapping of Cold Atoms with Surface Forces and Blue-Detuned Evanescent Light on a Nanophotonic Waveguide
- Julien Laurat (Sorbonne University) – Quantum optics with cold atoms trapped along nanowaveguides
- Sebastian Hofferberth (University of Bonn) – Waveguide QED with Rydberg Superatoms
- Lucia Hackermueller (University of Nottingham) – Bayesian sensing and photon storage in micromachined waveguides
12:30 – 14:30 Networking Lunch & Poster Session
Session II – Experiments with Atom-like Systems in Solids
Chair: Darrick Chang (The Institute of Photonic Sciences)
- Hugues de Riedmatten (ICFO) – Quantum network nodes with nano(micro) scale rare-earth based devices
- Hanna Le Jeannic (Sorbonne University) – Quantum Light Generation and Collection via Solid-State Emitters on Optical Nanofibers
15:30 – 15:45 Coffee break
Session III – Theory
Chair: Arno Rauschenbeutel (Humboldt University of Berlin)
- Darrick Chang (ICFO) – Realizing many-body complexity in quantum optics
- Saverio Pascazio (University of Bari) – Dynamics and dissipation in waveguide QED
Session IV – Related Quantum Technologies
Chair: Hugues de Riedmatten (The Institute of Photonic Sciences)
- Stéphane Trebaol (Institut Foton / University of Rennes) – Visible light sources for quantum technologies
- Nicolas Cerf (Université libre de Bruxelles) – From matrix permanents to many-photon multimode interferometry: Violating conjectures on permanents leads to anomalous bunching phenomena
Concluding Words
- 17:45 – 18:00 Takao Aoki (Waseda University)
- 18:00 – 19:30 Farewell Reception
Contact
Jean-Louis Moortgat
Waseda University Brussels Office
Avenue Antoine Depage 1, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
https://www.waseda.jp/inst/brussels-office/news-en/
Email: jean-louis.moortgat@ulb.be
Tel: +32 476 538 320
