The Indo-German Workshop on Quantum Sensing with Quantum Materials: Present and Future brought together researchers, early-career scientists, and industry representatives from Germany and India at the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden). Sponsored by the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), the workshop focused on assessing the current state of quantum materials and quantum sensing research in both countries, identifying new opportunities for binational collaboration and exploring ways to strengthen transfer between academia and industry.
"International cooperation is indispensable for scientific progress in all fields of research. In quantum technologies, Germany and India contribute highly complementary expertise across the entire innovation chain – from the fundamental understanding and development of new quantum materials to their technological applications. This creates real added value for both countries, and we want to build on these complementary strengths," said Prof. Dr. Bernd Büchner, Scientific Director of IFW Dresden.
Sohag Sen, First Secretary (Commerce) and Head of Chancery at the Embassy of India in Berlin, likewise emphasized the importance of scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries. The multi-day workshop provided a platform for advancing long-term partnerships. It also builds on IFW Dresden's broader Indo-German connections, including the internationally oriented research activities of Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi, Director of the IFW Institute for Materials Chemistry, as well as a long-standing cooperation with the S.N. Bose National Center for Basic Sciences.
The scientific discussions focused on concrete opportunities for collaboration along the entire innovation chain – ranging from AI-assisted materials design, materials synthesis and characterization, quantum sensing technologies, demonstrators, and industrial applications. Participants also discussed opportunities for the exchange of early-career researchers, the shared use of research infrastructures, and future funding initiatives.
The workshop topics closely align with IFW Dresden's activities within the Saxon Network for Quantum Technologies (SAX-QT), which has been coordinated since 2025 by IFW Dresden together with the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS). The network brings together expertise in quantum technologies across Saxony and strengthens knowledge transfer from fundamental research to scientific and industrial applications. Following the workshop, SAX-QT hosted a networking lunch, providing participants with an opportunity for more in-depth discussions with Saxon stakeholders.
Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Kusumita Arora, Director of the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), and Prof. Gerhard Rödel from DRESDEN-concept e. V. During her stay in Dresden, Dr. Arora also took the opportunity to strengthen existing links with representatives from academia and industry and to discuss potential future joint funding activities. The workshop was organized by Prof. Dr. Bernd Büchner (Scientific Director, IFW Dresden) and Prof. Dr. Tanusri Saha-Dasgupta (Director, SNBNCBS), together with Prof. Dr. Aparajita Singha (Technische Universität Dresden) and Prof. Dr. Saquib Shamim (SNBNCBS).
The workshop provided an important impetus for further expanding Indo-German cooperation in this rapidly developing field of research and laid the foundation for future joint research and innovation activities.
More information about the Workshop Indo-German Workshop on Quantum Sensing with Quantum Materials: Present and Future
Contact
Patricia Bäuchler
Communication
E-mail: p.baeuchler@ifw-dresden.de
