“A Fruitful Collaboration”: German–Japanese Quantum Workshop in Sapporo Brings Leading Scientists Together

Overview

The Cluster of Excellence ctd.qmat — Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter — is continuing its successful German–Japanese research collaboration. From March 2 to 4, 2026, the 2nd Japan–Germany Workshop on Correlated and Topological Quantum Materials was held at Hokkaido University in Japan. The event brought together leading scientists, early-career researchers, and students from both countries to discuss the latest advances and key challenges in topological quantum materials research.

A Success Story Continues

The first workshop of this kind took place in Würzburg in 2024, laying the foundation for close collaboration between German and Japanese researchers. “Holding this workshop in Japan shows just how fruitful our collaboration has become. We are excited to strengthen our scientific ties and launch new joint research projects,” says Ralph Claessen, Würzburg spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence ctd.qmat.

Scientific Exchange at the Highest Level

The three-day program featured presentations by leading scientists and outstanding early-career researchers. In total, more than 30 invited speakers from Germany and Japan contributed to a lively interdisciplinary exchange. The program covered topological superconductivity, ultra-high-precision measurements, non-Hermitian topology, quantum magnetism, and novel optical phenomena.

Supporting Early-Career Researchers

One of the workshop’s aims was to support early-career researchers. In addition to the talks, the program offered numerous opportunities for networking, including poster sessions and discussion forums. “Exchange between young scientists from both countries is essential for building lasting collaborations and inspiring the next generation of researchers,” adds Matthias Vojta, ctd.qmat‘s Dresden spokesperson.

Looking to the Future 

The workshop in Sapporo not only deepened scientific ties between Germany and Japan, but also generated fresh momentum for research on quantum materials. The organizers from ctd.qmat and PRESTO are already planning future joint projects and events to further expand their collaboration. PRESTO (Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology) is a Japanese funding program that supports technology seeds — innovative fundamental research with strong potential for future technological applications.

This workshop marked another milestone in the international networking of quantum research — an achievement that could pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries in the years ahead.