About SQUASH
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associated partners
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Why the SQUASH postdoctoral programme?
SQUASH is a project grounded in the current strategic directions of both Slovenia and the European Union. It is designed to support young researchers in reaching scientific maturity and independence across various fields of quantum sciences, from physics and chemistry, to material science, computer science, and engineering. It spans four distinct research areas, encompassing the diverse quantum science expertise mastered at the Jožef Stefan Institute. The foundation of scientific excellence at the Jožef Sefan Institute is further complemented by collaboration with 46 distinguished Partners from Slovenia and from all across Europe, North America, India and Japan.
We offer highly attractive working conditions, together with excellent personal mentoring from some of the world-renowned experts in quantum sciences, and the opportunity to develop a powerful set of transferable skills across three key pillars: Leadership, Personal Development, and Communication, tailored to each postdoctoral researcher’s unique needs.
Why quantum sciences?
The year 2025 has been proclaimed the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology by the General Assembly of the United Nations to commemorate a century since the establishment of quantum mechanics and to acknowledge its central role in both research and everyday life. Quantum mechanics elucidates the basic principles of matter formation, from subatomic particles to patterns of galaxies, it has also led to some of the most profound technological developments in the last century, and underpins cutting edge future technologies. It fosters global collaboration among diverse cultures, driving international cooperation and knowledge sharing. For all these reasons, establishing a fully-fledged European quantum ecosystem is among the top priorities of the European Commission.
Why the Jožef Stefan Institute?
The SQUASH programme’s Beneficiary, the Jožef Stefan Institute, is one of the highest-ranking research facilities in the country. Since its foundation in 1949 as the Institute for Physics, the researchers at the Jožef Stefan Institute have continuously reported major breakthroughs in quantum research. The Jožef Stefan Institute co-founded the Center for Quantum Technology Slovenia (QUTES) in 2016, which is dedicated to promoting quantum technology research and development. The centre provides a platform for experts, enthusiasts, and professionals in the field, as well as plays the key role in popularizing quantum technologies. The Institute is also a partner in the EU-funded project SiQUID – Slovenian Quantum Communication Infrastructure Demonstration, aiming to establish a test-bed quantum network for advanced quantum-communication protocols.
Why Slovenia?
Slovenia is one of Europe’s youngest and most dynamic countries, renowned for its green initiatives and boasting one of the highest rates of start-ups and SMEs per capita in the EU, several of which are SQUASH Associated Partners. Despite its small size, Slovenia excels in education, with the number of PhD students, the rate of higher-education qualification and the number of new doctoral graduates far exceeding the EU average. Slovenian researchers are very active internationally and rank among Europe’s most prolific authors according to the number and impact of scientific publications. Slovenia has a vibrant national QT community QUTES. Its members are active in major European quantum initiatives, such as QuantERA and EuroHPC JU, and will participate in the EuroQCS-Italy project.