Institutions Launched Quantum Spintronics Research Center
Five global research partners formed a new center focused on advancing superconducting and quantum spintronics.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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The Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Seoul National University, the IBS Center for Quantum Nanoscience, and the Paul Scherrer Institute have launched the Max Planck-Korea-PSI Center for Quantum Emergent Spintronics. This international collaboration focuses on superconducting, chiral, topological, and quantum-coherent research.
Why it matters
The center combines complementary capabilities in materials synthesis, X-ray facilities, and quantum nanoscience to address complex research questions currently beyond the reach of individual institutions. It aims to foster collaboration across international borders to accelerate advancements in the field of quantum spintronics.
The center is backed by a total commitment of 12.5 million euros over an initial five-year term. Each of the five participating institutions contributes 500,000 euros annually to support the facility's operations.
The players
Stuart Parkin
He is the chair of the newly established Max Planck-Korea-PSI Center for Quantum Emergent Spintronics.
Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics
This is a German research organization and one of the five founding partners of the new center.
Seoul National University
This is a major Korean institution serving as one of the center's five founding members and future event host.
Paul Scherrer Institute
This is a Swiss research facility that contributes its expertise in X-ray facilities to the new partnership.
IBS Center for Quantum Nanoscience
This is a Korean research center specializing in nanoscience and serving as a founding partner.
The details
The newly formed center integrates specialized expertise from across Germany, Korea, and Switzerland, chaired by Stuart Parkin. It also features a dedicated Young Researcher Development Program to support the training and growth of doctoral and postdoctoral staff within the field.
Timeline
The center launched in September 2026.
The broader scientific program will launch from November 16 to 18, 2026.
The Big Picture
The establishment of the Max Planck-Korea-PSI Center for Quantum Emergent Spintronics follows the pattern set by global collaborative research ventures that pool shared institutional resources. This center moves the discipline toward integrated quantum nanoscience by bridging the gap between previously independent materials synthesis and diagnostic facilities.
The formation of this center establishes a centralized hub for doctoral and postdoctoral staff to access specialized X-ray and synthesis tools. This collaboration will likely influence future technological development timelines by streamlining the research path for next-generation quantum hardware.
The takeaway
The creation of this international center highlights a shift toward highly integrated, multi-national funding models in modern physics. Researchers and students can expect increased access to specialized facilities that were previously fragmented across individual national borders.
What happens next
The center will conduct its inaugural scientific program launch at Seoul National University from November 16 to 18, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of quantum research, visit the Quantum Computing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Spintronics-info.
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