Machines of the future
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While quantum computers still exist only in the lab, they are seen as holding out great promise for the future. UNI NOVA introduces some approaches to quantum computing and describes the work that researchers at Basel University are conducting through a combination of theoretical ideas and ingenious experiments.
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DossierThe second revolution in quantum physics.
Text: Dominik Zumbühl / Quantum physics promises to deliver revolutionary new technologies such as the quantum computer – with far-reaching consequences for the economy and society. For many years, the University of Basel has been playing a pioneering role in quantum research.
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DossierQubits – the building blocks of the quantum computer.
Text: Benedikt Vogel / A qubit can store a single bit – the smallest possible unit of digital information – and is the fundamental building block of a future quantum computer. Qubits made of semiconducting materials, such as those being researched in Basel, are among the most promising candidates.
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DossierSilicon for the super computer.
Text: Leonid Leiva / Today’s modern computers rely on silicon chips. Researchers from Basel are convinced that this material will also prove its worth in the development of powerful quantum computers.
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DossierComputing in a chaotic world.
Text: Roland Wengenmayr / Quantum information is extremely fragile and can be disturbed by even the slightest interference. Error correction in a quantum computer will require highly sophisticated repair mechanisms. A glimpse into the mind of physicist James Wootton reveals what such mechanisms might look like.
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OpinionHow precise are the sciences, Tobias Straumann?
Text: Tobias Straumann / The humanities and natural sciences differ fundamentally on the issue of how to depict the world accurately. They also deal with the problem of imprecise findings in different ways.
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OpinionHow precise are the sciences, Dieter Ebert?
Text: Dieter Ebert / The humanities and natural sciences differ fundamentally on the issue of how to depict the world accurately. They also deal with the problem of imprecise findings in different ways.
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PortraitThe international law expert and sea piracy.
Text: Christoph Dieffenbacher / When it comes to piracy and crime at sea, Anna Petrig, recently appointed Professor of International Law at the University of Basel, is very knowledgeable: the Swiss lawyer is regarded throughout the world as a sought-after expert in this subject. She also spends her free time on the water.
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OpinionIs there such a thing as politically correct language?
Text: Deborah Mühlebach / Political language criticism teaches us about the effects words actually have – and invites us to open up to other people through language.
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Alumni“My degree was training for life.”
Interview: Bettina Huber / Theo Stich, alumnus of the University of Basel, is a freelance writer/producer, and owner of the company Lumenfilm. He takes an individual approach to filmmaking: he looks for new subjects or explores an existing topic from an original perspective.
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AlumniNew program funds visits within Switzerland and abroad.
Text: Roman Baumann Lorant / PRO IURE, the alumni association for Basel law students, has created a program that regularly pays for current students to visit legal institutions in Switzerland and abroad. One such group recently travelled to Great Britain on a visit to Oxford and London.
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AlumniChristian Theology in South Korea.
Letter from Seoul: Meehyun Chung /