Exploring Quantum Frontiers at BPU12 Congress
From July 4 to July 12, 2025, I had the great opportunity to participate in the 12th International Congress of the Balkan Physical Union (BPU12) held in Bucharest, Romania.
The congress brought together leading scientists, researchers, and students from across the Balkans and Europe, creating a dynamic environment for exchanging ideas and exploring cutting-edge topics in physics.
🔗 Official Program of BPU12
🔗 Event Page at University of Craiova
🧠 Quantum School: July 4–8, 2025
I participated in the school “Frontiers in Quantum Science and Technology”, hosted by Politehnica University of Bucharest (Library, Hall 2.1), where renowned scientists presented lectures on quantum computing, materials, optics, metrology, and more.
🧑🏫 Notable Lecturers:
- Jörg Schmalian (KIT Karlsruhe, Germany) – Quantum materials
- Marina Rotaru (NIPNE, Romania) – Quantum entanglement in high-energy physics
- Florian Marquardt (Max Planck Institute Erlangen, Germany) – Machine Learning for Quantum Applications
- Christophe Rossel (IBM Research Europe, Zurich) – The transition from classical to quantum computing
- Petra Rudolf (University of Groningen, Netherlands) – New materials for the quantum age
- Luc Bergé (CELIA, Bordeaux) – Laser-plasma interaction
- Fabian Wolf (PTB, Germany) – Quantum metrology
- and many others…
🔬 Hands-on Experience: July 9–10
I also attended the EPS-TIG hands-on session:
“Frontier of Quantum Technologies”, which deepened practical understanding in quantum platforms, particularly relevant for emerging researchers in this rapidly growing field.
The Organising Committee consisted of:
- Christophe Rossel (IBM-Zurich) - Chair
- Gordana Lastovicka-Medin (University of Montenegro) - Co-Chair
- Stefan Kuksky (Synchrotron SOLEIL, Paris)
- Ioana Pinteli (NIMP, Bucharest)
- Victor Malka (ELI-NP)
- Radu Constantinescu (University of Craiova)
🚀 ELi-NP Visit: July 8
A unique highlight was our visit to the Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) in Măgurele, a world-class research facility using the most powerful lasers in the world for advanced physics experiments.
🧾 Poster Presentation: July 10–12
At the main conference, I presented a poster titled:
“A Smart Radiation Sensor Module with AI Capabilities for CubeSat Missions”
The project focuses on intelligent radiation monitoring for space environments, a critical factor in CubeSat reliability. My poster included details on:
- Sensor architecture (analog & digital)
- Use of AI clustering for event classification
- FPGA-based SEU detection and inference
- Ground validation and simulation
🖼️ Poster:
📸 During the presentation:
👥 With the Moldova physics team:
🌍 Group photo with all participants:
🧭 Reflections
Participating in BPU12 was a truly transformative experience. From cutting-edge quantum research to international collaboration, it showcased the vibrant future of physics in both academia and applied technology. I am thankful for the opportunity to present my work and to represent Moldova in such a prestigious environment.
📎 Related Links:
Post authored by Cătălin Creciunel, July 2025