BRIDGING SCIENCE AND COLLABORATION: THE STORY OF ARTEMIS
ARTEMIS has a bold vision: to create the next generation of quantum light sources. Instead of bulky inorganic crystals, it explores flexible and tunable metallorganic compounds that can generate single and entangled photons directly integrable into devices. The aim is to make quantum technologies more versatile, scalable, and ready for real applications.
The idea sparked with two chemistry groups, one in Italy and the other in Serbia, joined by a third partner in Spain. They realised that combining synthetic chemistry with expertise in photonics and nonlinear optics could open new ground. What started as an intuition became a structured proposal, which successfully secured funding as an EIC Pathfinder project and was soon strengthened by experts in quantum optics and plasmonic engineering. Antonella Ferrara joined later, invited for her interdisciplinary experience, and asked to coordinate the project. “At first, I didn’t know most of the partners,” she recalls. “After a couple of meetings, they asked me to be the coordinator. I felt proud but also scared. It was a challenge I had never faced before.”
Today, ARTEMIS includes ten partners across six countries. Building unity was Antonella’s priority. “Some already knew each other, but I wanted a real team spirit. In the first month, I organised an in-person meeting. Sharing not just scientific discussions but also dinners and a short trip made communication easier.” These gatherings are now held annually, alongside regular online meetings. “It helped keep the group united, which is not simple with ten partners.”
The multidisciplinary nature also posed challenges. “Physicists, chemists, and engineers don’t always speak the same language,” she explains. “But a strong vision helps bridge gaps.” Informal exchanges proved essential. “During online meetings, time is short. But at a coffee break, doubts are clarified, and new ideas emerge. Those human moments are just as important as the data.”
In the short term, ARTEMIS aims to demonstrate molecular systems that work as efficient photon sources at target wavelengths such as 580 nm and 1.54 μm. In the long term, it seeks to pave the way for molecular materials in quantum communication, sensing, and anti-counterfeiting applications. “It’s high-risk, high-gain,” Antonella notes. “We are working in uncharted territory. But that’s what makes it worth it.”
As the project reaches its halfway point, pressure is rising. Antonella says, “The first years focused on management plans and reports. Now, scientific results are due, and this is the real test. We hope for the best, but of course we feel the pressure.” Support has been key. “Our project officer from the Commission has been reassuring, even organising a meeting before our first review to explain procedures. That gave me confidence, especially since it was my first time in this role.”
For Antonella, ARTEMIS has been both a professional and personal growth. “It is a stimulating experience. Frightening at times, but I’ve learned a lot. These projects are meant to be challenging. Even if everything does not go as planned, it is not a failure, because we are pushing boundaries.”
As a woman leading a major quantum technology project, she also sees her role as symbolic. “Leadership in science is diverse and evolving. I’ve had the chance to mentor younger researchers and support cross-border collaborations. There have been moments of pressure and doubt, but also immense pride when I see our shared progress and the excitement of the younger team members.”
ARTEMIS is still underway, but it already shows how an inspired conversation grows into a consortium, how a first-time coordinator turned fear into strength, and how science and human connection can drive ambitious visions forward.
