Dear Colleagues,
Since 1953, YITP has been contributing to the progress in physics as a unique institute that covers the whole area of theoretical physics. In its early days, YITP played a central role in promoting astrophysics and biophysics in Japan. In 2016, we launched the Center for Gravitational Physics to expand research areas of physics covered in YITP, which may be characterized by the keyword "gravity". In recent years, it has been recognized that “quantum information” is not only a basis of quantum technology but also may provide keys to open new doors for physics in the future, which are expected to emerge as interdisciplinary research between physics and quantum information. As we realized the importance of “quantum information” in physics, we created a quantum information research group at YITP as our 5th research group in 2018. Combining these new trends with traditional YITP’s activities, we finally established "Center for Gravitational Physics and Quantum Information (CGPQI)" in 2022, as the first research center for interdisciplinary studies through physics and quantum information in Japan. Incidentally, in April 2025, YITP was certified as an International Joint Usage/Research Center.
In recent years, as the practical application of quantum computers draws near, "quantum information" has been attracting much attention from the perspective of applications. For example, “quantum information” may bring a deeper understanding of topological materials, which have the potential to be devices for quantum computers and theoretical research into quantum computing. On the other hand, it has become clear that “quantum information” is the key to solving the difficult problem of constructing a “quantum gravity theory” that combines quantum theory and general relativity, showing the surprising research result that “quantum information” leads to the genesis of the Universe in some gravitational theory.
In these circumstances, our new center, CGPQI, aims at developing interactive activities between physics and quantum information: progress in fundamental physics by “quantum information” on one hand, and breakthroughs in “quantum information and quantum technology” brought from a theoretical physics point of view on the other. For this purpose, we will collaborate with researchers and institutions from all over the world and make CGPQI a base for such research programs.
We hope you will have the opportunity to join in our activities at CGPQI, YITP. We always welcome your comments and suggestions.
April, 2025 Hisao Hayakawa
