Bringing quantum physics closer to the public: Barcelona celebrates the City and Science Biennial 2025

Quantum physics, often perceived as an abstract theory far removed from everyday life, has been one of the most transformative forces of the contemporary world. Since the beginning of the 20th century, this discipline has changed the way we understand reality and has made possible advances such as computers, the internet, and mobile phones. Now, as its application expands into fields such as artificial intelligence and secure communications, quantum physics is once again at the center of scientific and social debate. In this context, Barcelona will host the fourth edition of the City and Science Biennial from November 18 to 23, coinciding this year with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. For six days, the Biennial will offer more than 130 activities—80 of them in Barcelona—to bring this scientific revolution closer to the public. The program will take place simultaneously in Barcelona and Madrid, and for the first time will extend to Mexico, within the framework of the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), where Barcelona will be the guest city.

A second quantum revolution

The Biennial aims to become a space for understanding the social and technological change that this discipline has brought about over the last century. Through lectures, debates, experiments, science film screenings and discussions, and artistic performances and installations, the program invites reflection on the limits and future challenges of quantum physics and explores its connections with philosophy, art, and thought. The Biennial's curators are renowned scientists and science communicators such as Alba Cervera, Toni Pou, and members of the HacTe group—Barcelona's Hub of Art, Science, and Technology—as well as Elisa Garrido and Carlos Sabín in Madrid, who contribute complementary perspectives from science.

Quantum physics is also a strategic sector for Barcelona. The event is part of the Barcelona City Council's 2024-2027 Strategic Plan for Science and Innovation, which aims to consolidate the city as the scientific capital of Spain and one of the leading centers in Europe. This same plan includes initiatives such as the Barcelona Innovation Coast, designed to boost innovation in science and technology. This commitment is reflected in the presence, in the city and its surrounding area, of leading institutions in quantum research, such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), the ALBA Synchrotron, and the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO). The Deputy Mayor for Economy, Housing, Finance, and Tourism, and head of the science department, Jordi Valls, emphasized that the Biennial is an example of how Barcelona is a city of science because "it relies on science to drive social and economic progress, and it fosters it." Featured activities and meeting spaces

The heart of the Biennial in Barcelona will once again be at 'El Born. Barcelona History Museum' and other venues such as Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), the Barcelona Activa Convent, the Canódromo (dog track), the Greenhouse, and the Sant Agustí Convent Civic Center, among others. The opening event, held on November 18, is the presentation of the Nato Prize from the Museum of Natural Sciences, which this year recognizes Philip Ball, British science communicator and writer, for his work in bringing science closer to the general public with a creative and interdisciplinary approach. Among the highlights are the conversation between Ignacio Cirac, a world-renowned expert in quantum computing, and the writer Sonia Fernández-Vidal, and the panel discussion "Geopolitics in the Second Quantum Revolution," which will bring together experts to debate the risks of a new global technological divide. The traditional Science Night will also take place on Saturday, November 22, featuring science monologues, guided tours, and interdisciplinary performances. The Biennial also maintains its more playful dimension, with quantum chess and experiments aimed at both schoolchildren and the general public, allowing them to understand how quantum physics influences our daily lives and the development of society. Madrid and Mexico expand the Biennial

In Madrid, the opening event stands out. It will take place on November 18th at 7 pm and will be a conversation between María García Díaz and Carlos Sabín, both PhDs in physics, and an avatar of Albert Einstein. This has been made possible thanks to technology developed by the Q-Math research group at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (ICMAT) and Carlos III University. Taking advantage of Barcelona being the guest of honor at the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), the Biennial will have an extension in its program. THREAD ScienceA space designed to bring knowledge closer to everyone and awaken scientific vocations among young people, taking place from November 29 to December 7.

+ Biennial: science, culture and participation

In addition to the main program, the Biennial initiative offers activities organized by cultural centers, universities, and local facilities that strengthen the dialogue between science, culture, and society. This complementary program broadens access to knowledge and allows citizens to explore quantum physics interactively, actively participating in the creation and dissemination of scientific knowledge. With this edition, the City and Science Biennial consolidates Barcelona's position as one of Europe's leading capitals of scientific culture and invites the public to delve into the quantum world, discover how these advances are transforming technology, society, and our way of thinking, and reflect on the ethical and social implications of this evolving discipline. You can consult all the activities and the program at [website address missing]. Barcelona City Science Biennial