Chancellor visits during Quantum Year: Focus on quantum technologies from Jena
Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Fraunhofer IOF
PhD student M. Monika explains quantum technology to the state visit.
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Published: | By: Ira Winkler
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Friedrich Merz at Fraunhofer IOF
As part of his inaugural visit to Thuringia, Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena yesterday (2 December 2025) to learn about current developments in the field of quantum technologies.
Many doctoral students and researchers at the Institute of Applied Physics work closely with Fraunhofer IOF on topics related to quantum computing and quantum imaging, including as part of the BMBF-funded PhoQuant project. These include in particular Prof. Fabian Steinlechner and PD Dr. Frank Setzpfandt, who, together with their teams, are making significant contributions to the development of photonic quantum chips and quantum optical technologies. Similarly, the Microstructure Technology Working Group at the IAP, headed by Dr. Thomas Siefke, has played a decisive role in developing the technological process chain for the manufacture of photonic chips.
An important keystone for this close cooperation and the visibility of joint research was laid by Prof. Andreas Tünnermann, who headed both institutes for many years. With his strong commitment to networking between science, politics and industry, as well as his keen sense for future fields of technology, he played a key role in positioning Jena photonics early on in the field of quantum technologies.
Quantum research in Jena is currently receiving a high level of political attention thanks to the visit of the Federal Chancellor and the support of the state and federal governments. It is particularly noteworthy that the work in the field of quantum technologies at Fraunhofer IOF was also convincingly presented by former doctoral students of the IAP, including Dr. Monika and Dr. Goebel.
The official press release from Fraunhofer IOF on the Chancellor's visit can be found at:
Impressions of the visit
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Prof Tünnermann welcomes Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Minister President Mario Voigt at the Fraunhofer IOF.
Image: W. Oppel -
Prof Tünnermann welcomes Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Minister President Mario Voigt at the Fraunhofer IOF.
Image: W. Oppel, IOF -
Minister President Mario Voigt and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz in conversation at the Fraunhofer IOF.
Image: W. Oppel -
Prof Tünnermann with his guests in the telescope dome of the new research building.
Image: W. Oppel -
Researchers Monika and Dr Goebel inform Chancellor Merz and Minister President Voigt about their work.
Image: W. Oppel, IOF -
Dr Goebel in conversation with F. Merz
Image: W. Oppel, IOF -
PhD student M. Monika explains quantum technology to the state visit.
Image: W. Oppel -
PhD student M. Monika explains quantum technology to the state visit.
Image: W. Oppel -
PhD student M. Monika explains quantum technology to the state visit.
Image: W. Oppel -
Prof Tünnermann receives a state visit at the Fraunhofer IOF.
Image: J. Schroeter, TSK