World Quantum Day 2026: What is it, when did it start, why does it take place on April 14 each year, what is the Google Doodle?
It’s a day to celebrate science.
We may not all be able to understand quantum physics, but the impact it has had on our daily life is huge.
From MRI scanners to GPS systems, it has provided the foundations for most modern electronics and computing, including the internet and the smartphones we all rely on.
So, it’s no suprise that there’s a special day to mark how it has transformed our world.
Here’s everything you need to know about World Quantum Day 2026.
What is World Quantum Day?
Organisers describe World Quantum Day as “an annual celebration promoting public awareness and understanding of quantum science and technology around the world.”
Why is World Quantum Day held on April 14?
The date was chosen as 4.14 represents the rounded first digits of the Planck Constant - ‘4.14×10−15 eV·s’. Of course that’s only if you use the American calendar - 4/14. In the UK the date is the far less relevant 14/4.
What is the Planck Constant?
Put as simply as possible, the Planck Constant is a very small number that define the very smallest packet - or quantum - of energy there can be. It shows that energy is not continuous, but rather comes in a series of discrete chunks. Easy really!
When was the first World Quantum Day held?
The first World Quantum Day was held in 2021. Since then more scientists, engineers, educators, science communicators, and organisations have got involved.
In 2024 the US Senate made it official - passing a resolution to commemorating and support the special day.
Hundreds of science events are held in over 65 countries around the world to mark World Quantum Day. The activities traditionally include talks, symposiums, panel discussions, laboratory tours, artistic creations, and interviews.
Scotland will mark the day slightly later, with the Quantum Fringe set to take place across May and June with a range of events.
Who organises World Quantum Day?
The event is put together by the World Quantum Day Coordination Team featuring one or two representatives from each of the over 65 countries that take part, including the UK.
What does the World Quantum Day Google Doodle mean?
Today’s Google Doodle marking World Quantum Day depicts two Bloch Spheres - a visual representation of the qubit which is the basic building block of quantum computing.
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