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Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

FZJ

Das Forschungszentrum Jülich betreibt interdisziplinäre Spitzenforschung und stellt sich drängenden Fragen der Gegenwart.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU quantum Act

11 Dec 2025

Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop an EU Quantum Act. As a member of the Helmholtz Association with some 7,600 employees, we conduct interdisciplinary research into a digitalized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a sustainable economy. We combine our expertise in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence using unique scientific infrastructures. FZJ recommendations 1. Putting Research at the forefront of a Competitive Quantum Technology Ecosystem Europes long-term competitiveness depends on a strong and diversified scientific base, and the Quantum Act must therefore provide stable support for bottom-up, high-risk/high-reward research aligned with FET/Open principles, ERC curiosity-driven excellence, and Pathfinder-style programmes, which are essential for breakthroughs in quantum materials and atomically engineered structures, fault-tolerant quantum computing and error-correcting codes, quantum algorithms and information theory, foundational research in sensing and communication, and novel device paradigms spanning semiconducting, superconducting, hybrid, photonic, trapped-ion, and neutral-atom platforms. 2. Development of a Competitive Quantum Technology Ecosystem and Translation of Research into Marketable Technologies Europe must build a competitive and resilient quantum ecosystem across computation, simulation, sensing, and communication by investing in diverse QPU pilot lines, HPC-linked user facilities, integrated fabrication and cryogenic testbeds, scalable control and measurement systems, and a robust software stack, while accelerating lab-to-market progress through coordinated maturation projects, standardised benchmarking, supportive IP frameworks, industrial testbeds, long-term industry partnerships, and strategic treatment of enabling technologies such as cryogenic electronics, precision measurement, materials characterisation, advanced fabrication, and AI-driven experimental analysis. Private investment in quantum technologies remains limited, and Europe needs an EU strategy to mobilise private capital through risk-mitigation measures, co-investment mechanisms, supportive equity instruments, industry incentives, and scale-up programmes. 3. Cross-Border Collaboration and Ecosystem Integration Quantum technologies demand coordinated action across scientific disciplines, national programmes, and industrial ecosystems, as fragmentation undermines both efficiency and competitiveness. To address this, the EC should establish mechanisms that align national and EU quantum agendas, harmonise funding instruments and simplify participation rules, support shared European testbeds and pilot lines accessible to all Member States, promote data and knowledge sharing, and integrate HPC facilities, quantum laboratories, and training networks. As such, FZJ strongly supports the creation and reinforcement of the National Quantum Competence Clusters, creating structured trialogues between Member States, the Commission, and stakeholders, and developing coordinated research roadmaps spanning materials, devices, software, and hybrid infrastructures; together, these measures will reduce duplication and ensure strategic coherence across the European quantum ecosystem. 4. Global Engagement and Strategic Alliances The Quantum Act is a historic opportunity to secure Europes leadership in quantum science and technology by strengthening fundamental research, infrastructure, investment, collaboration, inclusiveness, talent development, and global engagement. FZJ remains fully committed to supporting the Commission in shaping and implementing a Quantum Act that secures Europes long-term scientific excellence, industrial competitiveness, and technological sovereignty, and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the development of a strong, united, and globally competitive European quantum ecosystem.
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Response to Evaluation and Revision of the Chips Act ("Chips Act 2.0")

28 Nov 2025

Advanced, consolidated and aligned conttribution from Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH (FZJ) as clarification to the first statement: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH (FZJ) welcomes the initiative of the European Commission to review the Chips Act and to launch an ambitious Chips Act 2.0. As a member of the Helmholtz Association with some 7,600 employees, we conduct interdisciplinary research into a digitalized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a sustainable economy. We combine our expertise in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence using unique scientific infrastructures. Currently, all AI activities are based on the same technical principles, primarily utilizing GPUs. From a systems perspective, this approach is highly power-consuming and inefficient, and it is expected that only incremental evolutionary improvements will be achieved in the future. For the next generation of AI, it is essential to give greater attention to the emerging principles already present in scientific research, including the utilization of novel devices, such as those based on neuromorphic computing. These principles open the potential for revolutionary AI implementations with significantly reduced power consumption. However, this shift also necessitates a highly specialized co-design approach, encompassing everything from application and training to algorithms, implementations, and specific technologies. Currently, these efforts are primarily driven by the scientific community, yet it is crucial that they are adequately represented in future European initiatives like ChipsJU to ensure European sovereignty in this field. To achieve this, the following measures are necessary (without claiming to be exhaustive): 1. Accessible and cost-effective access to pilot lines with feature sizes below 10nm to make these technologies economically viable for companies. 2. Integration of emerging devices (e.g., memristors, ferroelectric transistors, etc.) into pilot line processes. 3. Seamless transfer of experimental devices into established pilot lines. 4. Development of process design kits (PDKs) tailored to such emerging devices. 5. Design of functional libraries that provide key functionalities with these devices for use in pilot lines. 6. Enhancement of development workflows to support these devices. 7. Development of co-design workflows that integrate both hardware and software considerations. These actions should lead to more extensive, particularly hardware-related, research and transfer of future AI principles. These actions are in no way intended to compete with the ongoing quantum computing efforts within the EU. Rather, they should be viewed as complementary, with the goal of leveraging Europe's strengths in adopting innovative concepts, as opposed to relying on traditional 'brute force' scaling methods. Quantum chip design and manufacturing are essential to the EUs technological sovereignty. The first Chips Act successfully launched pilot lines for quantum chips, laying the groundwork for competitive European capabilities in this strategic area. As the European Commission prepares the upcoming Quantum Act, it is crucial that Chips Act 2.0 both reinforces and complements these initiatives, creating a coherent framework that accelerates quantum-hardware development from research through to industrialization. Strengthening the EUs capacity to design, prototype, and manufacture quantum chips will be critical for securing leadership in this strategic domain and safeguarding the EUs strategic autonomy.
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Response to EU’s next long-term budget (MFF) – EU funding for competitiveness

7 Nov 2025

Forschungszentrum Jülich, welcomes the European Commissions proposal for a standalone and strong Framework Programme for Research and Innovation from 2028 to 2034. Excellent research is the building ground for resilience and sovereignty. To facilitate innovation and prosperity, it will be key to ensure and strengthen EU's leadership in several research fields. The future Framework Programme (FP10) must be internally consistent and based on research needs rather than political orientations. As one of the EUs largest multithematic and multidisciplinary public research institutions, we appreciate the emphasis on collaborative research as core of European research and innovation activities. Scientific excellence is fundamental to groundbreaking developments coming from the research community and serving beyond. The EU plays a leading role in generating new knowledge and fields of research, as well as methods and approaches. This is achieved not only by means of mission-oriented research, but also by creating space for serendipity, which is crucial for fostering innovation. Application- and market-oriented research allows Europe to maintain and increase industrial strength. However, separate instruments and financial resources are needed for fundamental and application-oriented research, while simultaneously breaking down silos and encouraging the flow of knowledge and people between the two areas. We strongly support the idea of an additional portfolio-inspired model that connects disciplines, TRLs, and funding streams, fostering synergies and accelerating innovation. This would enable the EU to respond more flexibly to new challenges. During the term of FP10, 200 billion Euros as proposed in the Draghi-Report should be made available for research. In addition, the European Partnership instrument should remain or become usable, attractive and governable for research institutions. Europe needs to assure its digital and technological sovereignty building upon a strong European research and innovation community in AI, quantum and material sciences, energy, earth and environmental sciences, health and transport. In this respect excellence of research, EU-research infrastructures and collaborative projects play a central role with a strong added value. They enable member countries to share resources, by allowing at the same time cross-European knowledge transfer and societal impact. The exchange of experiences and support of research careers all over the EU feeds into a diverse research and civil society. In addition, gender equality, diversity and inclusion should be embedded as overarching principles in the design of FP10. A transparent governance, a lean and fast administration with deep integration of scientific expertise in strategic decision-making processes is crucial for the success of European research and innovation in the coming years.
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Response to Circular Economy Act

6 Nov 2025

Climate change plus rare natural resources demand a shift toward sustainability and circularity in economy. This transition requires an inclusive, resilient, and competitive bioeconomy, underpinned by systems analysis and modelling. The bioeconomy must focus on 2 key elements: sustainable, resource-efficient plant production and bio-based industrial processes that maximize the value of resources and waste, moving from a linear to a circular approach.Plant production in a bio-based economy: Agricultural production is key for bio-based economy providing food, feed, and materials for multiple applications. Future plant production must focus not only on increasing crop yield but also on multiuse aspects of landscapes, increasing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts. This requires continuous monitoring of ecosystems, understanding the effects of climate change on plant stress resilience, and developing new crop varieties suited to sustainable agricultural practices. Achieving these goals demands cross-disciplinary collaboration among academia, farmers, industry, and policy. Key actions include: 1) Bring basic understanding into applications complemented by new technological solutions from robotics to data management, machine learning, and modelling applications. 2) Breeding targets should already include at an early stage aspects of sustainable management, multipurpose croping systems, utilization of novel materials, and consideration of circularity with reuse and recycling of by-products. 3) Fundamental innovations in plant and crop production need to be evaluated and sustainable solutions, that e.g. combine energy with crop production should be tested including the whole value chain and stakeholders. 4) Access to and reusability of data are important to enable the use of machine learning, development of digital twins, or modelling to assess in silico the demand for crop improvement, multipurpose crops, value chains, and to identify limiting steps in plant and crop production, thereby reducing resources and efforts in advancing agriculture as the key driver of the bio-based future economy. Bio-based processes: Microbes and enzymes as a driver of a sustainable bioeconomy. Europe's strong chemical industry relies heavily on imported fossil resources. Using bio-based feedstocks, carbon dioxide, and mild biological catalysis reduces this reliance, enhancing European resilience and addressing climate change. Bio-based chemicals and processes offer greater potential to be Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) reducing the toxicological impacts of both process and product. Key actions for improving catalytic processes include: 1) analysis-driven selection and engineering of microbial, enzymatic, or chemical catalysts, and their combination in hybrid processes, to achieve the highest possible efficiency with the lowest environmental impact. 2) regional feedstock availability and the use of agri-food and forest-based surplus streams as well as dedicated biomass crops and carbon dioxide. 3) use of industrial or post-consumer waste as biotechnological feedstock in the light of the circular economy and the need for new and efficient technologies to recycle polymers and bio-based materials from e.g. packaging, construction, and automotive sectors. 4) Production of bulk and commodity (platform) chemicals and materials from these feedstocks is needed to reduce climate change and pollution. 5) leverage the strength of biological catalysis to produce complex specialty chemicals from purer substrate streams for e.g. pharmaceutical applications. 6) Ensuring scalability of developed processes, supported by LCA, TEA, and pilot/demo infrastructure. 7) Using model-based approaches, AI, and machine learning for process design, scale-up, and economics. This bioeconomy transition requires basic research, technological innovation, circular manufacturing, AI, and data reusability to ensure sustainability and resilience.
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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Nov 2025 · Quantum technology policy

Response to European Research Area (ERA) Act

10 Sept 2025

Due to current global political and economic conditions, European research is facing unprecedented challenges. This makes it even more important to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of European research and innovation (RD&I). The attached considerations aim to facilitate cooperation in the European Research Area (ERA) and with third countries. We focus on the following aspects: Researchers Mobility, Research Security, Data Management and Research and Technology Infrastructures. Additionally, we strongly support the various aspects of the report to the EC, "Align, Act, Accelerate" (also known as the Heitor Report), published in September 2024. Cooperation across EU borders is particularly important in areas of significant future technologies and the development of competitive scientific and technological infrastructure. In addition, collaborating with excellent partners outside Europe is an indispensable factor for the development of key technologies and driving innovation. Challenges set by a common agenda need to be pursued in the long term and need continuous commitment by all European stakeholders. To this end, it is crucial that European partners are perceived as reliable and have a shared strategy. Attracting and pooling excellent scientists from all over the world is crucial for creating and ensuring the success of the ERA. Uniform rules and branding would make the ERA more visible and recognisable as a globally attractive research ecosystem. Under the current global political circumstances, research security has become increasingly important, especially as research and innovation are becoming more and more intertwined, e.g. in the light of dual use of technologies. Research security on the one hand and the facilitation of cooperation on the other hand are therefore subject to the guiding principle of as secure as necessary, as open as possible. In this context, a strong, united stance by the ERA, supported by legal measures and mutual learning of already implemented strategies on the basis of a political consensus, is essential to reach a strong, reliable core ERA. As FZJ is a major producer and user of research data, we opt for establishing clear rules for the use of European scientific data resources and implement them technically via EOSC. The guiding principle for an ERA-wide data management should be 'as open as possible, as closed as necessary'. The concepts of research and technology infrastructures should be integral part of ERA and their operation and use well anchored in the various EU research and innovation support areas and work programmes.
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Meeting with Ekaterina Zaharieva (Commissioner) and

27 Jun 2025 · Development of Quantum technologies

Response to A European Strategy for AI in science – paving the way for a European AI research council

4 Jun 2025

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH (FZJ) welcomes the initiative of the European Commission to prepare a European Strategy for AI in science. As one of Europes largest multidisciplinary research centres, Europes first exascale computing site, and Europes largest AI computer centre, our potential lies in actively harnessing traditional strengths in basic sciences, simulations and digital computing and combining them with research strengths in AI, neuromorphic computing, and quantum technology. FZJ highly appreciates the objective of the Commission to improve funding instruments and investments in science in order better serve the needs of AI-enabled science and facilitate collaboration with the private sector. FZJ considers explicit funding for software development in science to be a key aspect. Moreover, there are currently inadequate funding opportunities for neuromorphic computing at European level combining the aspects of AI algorithms, hardware and neuroscience. While there are many researchers working on neuromorphic computing in the EU, there is no major consortium and limited opportunity for exchange and communication, both with researchers and with policymakers. The strategic inclusion of neuromorphic computing in calls pertaining to future computing technologies should be explored. An alternative novel computing paradigm in AI is the use of quantum computers (in a two-way synergy including the use of AI for the improvement of quantum technologies). Quantum AI paradigms can be a combination of faster and more expressive than traditional technology. Development of these capabilities requires a tightly integrated ecosystem of AI-focused HPC with quantum computing systems as well as diligent joint development and benchmarking. This requires a balanced and objective approach we need to emphasize clearly disruptive quantum AI but also avoid hype. Finally, we believe that research and innovation in AI can be best supported by fostering initiatives aiming at sustaining core AI competences in the EU. This competence is the foundation for transfer of methods of application domains. It should address fundamental aspects of AI, such as innovative training techniques (e.g. Reinforcement Learning) or the mathematical and statistical foundations of Deep Learning. A second important step is in facilitating the transfer of ML techniques across scientific domains (e.g., materials science, healthcare) to accelerate breakthroughs and innovation in various industries.
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Response to Apply AI Strategy

4 Jun 2025

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH (FZJ) welcomes the initiative of the European Commission to prepare a blueprint for the adoption of AI in the EUs strategic sectors. As one of Europes largest multidisciplinary research centres, Europes first exascale computing site, and Europes largest AI computer centre, our potential lies in actively harnessing traditional strengths in basic sciences, simulations and digital computing and combining them with research strengths in AI, neuromorphic computing, and quantum technology. Furthermore, we coordinate the JUPITER AI Factory, a key project in implementing the "AI Innovation Package to support Artificial Intelligence Startups and SMEs", launched by the European Commission in January 2024 which offers a comprehensive AI ecosystem that provides individual support for all AI use cases from user training and personal consulting to cutting-edge services in data curation, next-generation foundation models, and AI application optimization. FZJ strongly supports the efforts of the Commission to increase innovation and transfer of AI at the EU level. By joining both the financial resources and human resources and expertise of academia and industry for AI research, the EU can maximize its competitiveness and leadership in the field. The transfer of AI knowledge from research to industry can unlock further potential and provide focus in a rapidly expanding field. We urge the Commission to investigate AI research areas that present a large potential for industrial use but do not receive the necessary funding yet, for example the area of neuromorphic computing (NC). NC applies knowledge on the structure and functionality of the human brain to the area of computing. Due to the vastly different timeframes in development of AI research and slower neuroscience research, innovation can be challenging. However, NC application has potential to unlock solutions in areas ranging from autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity, robotics, and healthcare to military and aerospace uses. We would also like to highlight that explicit funding for algorithm / software development in science is an important topic. Only the combination of traditional research infrastructure such as hardware and software development leads to groundbreaking innovation. Moreover, data management and curation are essential components in this mix as data is crucial to the training of (foundation) models. Well curated (big) data can be considered as an novel type of infrastructure. In addition, targeted, well-coordinated, long-term and multi-level training and skill development should be a strong focus of European activities in the field of AI. Thus, the EU can ensure that the necessary industry workforce with strong AI skills is established. Lastly, EU support for innovation, including both start-ups and SMUs that exploit AI developments is a needed next step to encourage private-sector investment and growth. Funding a transfer structure involving all stages of R&D and tailored to specific application cases, for example use of open-source software, should be a priority.
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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament)

7 Feb 2025 · Quantum Policy

Meeting with Silvia Bartolini (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

23 Jan 2025 · Quantum technologies

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament)

18 Dec 2024 · Quantum Policy

Meeting with Henna Virkkunen (Executive Vice-President)

17 Dec 2024 · Quantum technology

Meeting with Lina Gálvez (Member of the European Parliament)

25 Oct 2024 · Quantum

Meeting with Iliana Ivanova (Commissioner) and

29 May 2024 · Meeting with the Presidents of the G6 Research Network. G6 president's shared their views for the future of European Research.

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd and IQM Finland Oy

11 Apr 2024 · Co-host breakfast event on quantum and semiconductor technology ecosystems

Meeting with Sabine Verheyen (Member of the European Parliament)

5 Jun 2023 · Research and EU projects

Meeting with Fabrice Comptour (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton)

27 Feb 2023 · Quantum

Meeting with Alejandro Cainzos (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager), Alina-Stefania Ujupan (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)

1 Jun 2022 · Quantum

Meeting with Axel Voss (Member of the European Parliament) and IBM Corporation

23 Apr 2021 · Exchange of views on transatlantic EU-US cooperation in quantum computing.

Meeting with Mariya Gabriel (Commissioner)

17 Nov 2020 · Current plans for Quantum Technologies in the context of the upcoming Horizon Europe Framework Programme

Meeting with Alina-Stefania Ujupan (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)

3 Mar 2020 · Achievements of Quantum Flagship, MFF, future programming process

Meeting with Jean-Philippe Gammel (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

28 Mar 2019 · Education and science, Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions