Fukuoka, Japan – Kyushu University officially inaugurated its Quantum and Spacetime Research Institute on October 1, 2025. This new center is dedicated to investigating the fundamental connection between quantum mechanics and general relativity, aiming to bridge a significant divide in modern physics.
For over a century, quantum mechanics and general relativity have independently explained the universe with great success, yet their principles are fundamentally incompatible. Quantum mechanics governs the subatomic world with probabilities and discrete energy packets, while general relativity describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime on cosmic scales. The new institute seeks to resolve these mathematical and conceptual discrepancies.
The institute will foster interdisciplinary collaboration among more than 50 researchers from various scientific fields. Their collective goal is to explore the quantum-gravity interface, seeking to uncover new physical principles and potentially lead to transformative technologies, such as advanced gravitational wave detection and novel quantum fields. Professor Kazuhiro Yamamoto of Kyushu University's Faculty of Science expressed optimism that this fusion of quantum science and cosmology could reveal unknown physical laws.
This initiative aligns with the Science Council of Japan's Future Academic Advancement Initiative and Kyushu University's VISION 2030, which emphasizes the integration of knowledge for societal change. By connecting domestic and international networks, the institute aims to accelerate the discovery of unifying principles in physics. A kickoff symposium is scheduled for December 25 to further promote dialogue and collaboration.