Trinity joins European Quantum Academy

Posted on: 15 May 2026

The EQA brings together more than 70 partner institutions across over 20 European countries to create a coordinated framework for quantum education and training spanning higher education, research and industry.

Backed by €19.8 million in funding, the Academy will act as Europe’s central coordinating body for quantum technology education as quantum computing, sensing and communications transition from research to real-world applications.

Trinity will play a leading role in the initiative, drawing on its established strengths in quantum science education and research.

Students and researchers walk through Trinity's campus. Photo: Matthew Boyd, Mahoo.ie.

The university will co-lead both the EQA pillar on taught graduate education and one of the six Regional Quantum Academies for North‑Western Europe, helping to shape curricula, advanced training activities, and student and lecturer mobility across Europe.

Trinity’s MSc in Quantum Science and Technology, launched in 2021 within the School of Physics, provides the foundation for its contribution to graduate-level training within the EQA.

The Trinity Quantum Alliance will additionally strengthen connections between the Academy and Ireland’s growing quantum technology industry.

“The EQA allows us to integrate and expand our teaching and training in quantum science and technology at a truly international level,” said Felix Binder, Assistant Professor in Quantum Science and Course Director, MSc in Quantum Science & Technology, Trinity.

“Strong international links are essential for Ireland to play a decisive role in this field, and the EQA enables us to build and strengthen those links for quantum education.”

Felix Binder, Assistant Professor in Quantum Science and Course Director, MSc in Quantum Science & Technology, Trinity, with Deirdre Kilbane (Director of Research, Walton Institute, SETU) and Venkatesh Kannan (Associate Director, ICHEC) in Trinity. Photo: Jakub Czartowski, Trinity.

Ireland’s participation also includes ICHEC at the University of Galway and the Walton Institute at South East Technological University, which together with Trinity contribute complementary expertise across quantum education, infrastructure and industry engagement.

Ireland’s involvement in the EQA is co-funded by the European Union through the Digital Europe Programme and by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Through its leadership role in the EQA, Trinity will help shape Europe’s next generation of quantum scientists and professionals, opening new opportunities for students, researchers and industry partners to engage with Europe’s rapidly evolving quantum science and technology ecosystem.

For more information, see the EQA Quantum Flagship announcement.

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