The first International Workshop on Unconventional Magnetism in Quantum Materials (UMQM‑2025) took place on 14-15 July in Kyiv, Ukraine. Organized on-site by Kyiv Academic University in cooperation with Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (in short: IFW Dresden), the event was held within the framework of the GU-QuMat project – an active German-Ukrainian research initiative funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) since 2024. The project supports collaborative work on quantum and topological magnetism, with a focus on establishing a sustainable scientific platform in Ukraine. UMQM-2025 was the first joint scientific event of the GU-QuMat network.
Researchers from Ukraine, Germany, USA, Canada, Norway, Poland, France, Czechia, and Switzerland participated in the hybrid-format event. Three IFW Dresden senior scientists traveled to Kyiv in person to take part in the discussions and strengthen ties with the local research community and three more IFW researchers contributed invited talks remotely. Despite the difficult and uncertain situation in Ukraine, the hybrid format worked smoothly and supported productive scientific exchange.
Spotlight on Altermagnetism – A New Type of Magnetism
The workshop focused on a rapidly emerging field in physics: altermagnetism – a novel magnetic state that challenges conventional classifications. Altermagnets have no net magnetization, yet still exhibit spin-polarized electronic states due to their crystal symmetry. This property opens up exciting possibilities for ultrafast, low-power spintronic devices and future quantum technologies.
Participants of UMQM‑2025 presented recent findings in altermagnetic materials, including spin transport phenomena, symmetry analysis, and promising material candidates, drawing on both theoretical modeling and experimental techniques. The discussions reflected the strong expertise within the GU-QuMat collaboration and a shared commitment to driving progress in both fundamental and applied aspects of quantum materials research.
Building a Collaborative Platform for Quantum Materials Research
The UMQM‑2025 workshop successfully set the stage for continued collaboration between Ukrainian and German researchers. A key milestone in this effort is the establishment of the Leibniz Lab for quantum and topological materials in Kyiv, a joint research hub supported by IFW Dresden and Kyiv Academic University. Looking ahead, the next GU-QuMat workshop is anticipated for spring 2026 in Lviv, further expanding the collaborative network and supporting shared research goals.
More information about the project GU-QuMat
YouTube video UMQM-2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GtJvuuTwIA
Contact GU-QuMat
Dr. Silvia Seiro
eMail: s.seiro[at]ifw-dresden.de
Phone: +49 (0) 351 4659 106
Media Contact
Patricia Bäuchler
Science Communication
eMail: p.baeuchler[at]ifw-dresden.de
Phone: +49 (0) 351 4659 249
