Why Quantum Research Matters: From Curiosity to Real-World Impact
About the Lecture
What begins as pure scientific curiosity often reshapes the world in unexpected ways. In this special public lecture, Klaus von Klitzing reflects on the discovery of the Quantum Hall Effect—a breakthrough that not only deepened our understanding of quantum physics but also transformed the way fundamental physical constants are measured with extreme precision. Through a historical and scientific lens, the talk will trace how foundational research in quantum systems can lead to far-reaching applications, influencing modern technologies and global measurement standards. It offers a rare opportunity to engage with the journey from abstract theory to tangible impact.
KLAUS VON KLITZING
DIRECTOR EMERITUS, MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE FOR SOLID STATE RESEARCH,
RECIPIENT OF THE NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS (1985)
Director Emeritus of the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany. Awarded the 1985 Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the integer quantum Hall effect, a breakthrough that transformed our understanding of quantum matter and launched the modern field of topological phases of matter. One of only two living scientists to have a fundamental constant named after them: the von Klitzing constant, RK. Recipient of numerous awards, including 22 honorary doctorates; foreign member of the US National Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society, and many other leading academies worldwide.
Event Overview
Date: 26 May, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM onwards
Venue: Homi Bhabha Auditorium, Mumbai
Q&A with a Panel of Eminent Physicists
Following the lecture, an interactive panel discussion will bring together some of the world’s leading physicists:
Have a question for the speakers?
If you are attending, you can submit your question for the panelists here. If your question is selected, you will get a chance to ask it during the Q&A session.
Submit HereWho all can attend?
The lecture is open to all who are curious about science and its possibilities. No prior background in quantum physics is required - only curiosity.