Director Andreas Heinrich Becomes an Honorary Citizen of Seoul

Director Andreas Heinrich has been selected as an Honorary Citizen of Seoul in recognition of his contributions to the development of quantum nanoscience.

Since 1958, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has honored foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to Seoul’s development and served as role models for its citizens by granting them honorary citizenship. Previous recipients include actor Jackie Chan (Hong Kong), President of Poland Andrzej Duda, and former German President Joachim Gauck.

As a distinguished professor at Ewha Womans University and Director of QNS at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Director Heinrich has played a pivotal role in making quantum science more accessible to Seoul citizens. This is an incredible achievement for Director Heinrich and QNS, as it highlights QNS’s leadership in the field of quantum science in Korea and around the world. Through initiatives such as holding large community conferences and educational programs for high school students, QNS has fostered a deeper connection between quantum science and the public.

On the 20th of December 2024, the 1st Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs, Kim Sang-han, held a ceremony to award Seoul Honorary Citizenship to the selected 16 foreigners. Representatives from embassies including the German Ambassador to South Korea, Georg Schmidt, also attended the event to celebrate this honourable milestone.