JINR and Egypt combine efforts to advance quantum computing On 11–14 October 2025, the Quantum Computing and Machine Learning (QCML) workshop was held in Cairo, Egypt. The event was organized by the Meshcheryakov Laboratory of Information Technologies of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (MLIT JINR) and the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT). The workshop brought together approximately 120 scientists from Armenia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Georgia, Russia, and South Africa. Scientists from MLIT and the Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics delivered talks on behalf of JINR. The heads of the JINR University Center and the JINR International Cooperation Department also took part in the event. The workshop was opened by Gina El-Feky, ASRT President, Plenipotentiary Representative of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt at JINR, and Co-Chair of the QCML Organizing Committee. “The world stands on the threshold of the era of quantum technology. Today’s workshop is more than just a presentation of theoretical research. It will contribute to the foundation of the future of computing technology, communications, and security,” Gina El-Feky said in her speech, emphasizing that quantum computing is part of Egypt’s strategic development program, and JINR is a long-standing and reliable scientific partner for the country. Arsen Khvedelidze, Chairman of the JINR Committee of Plenipotentiaries, Co-Chair of the QCML Organizing Committee, and Head of the JINR MLIT Algebraic and Quantum Computing Sector, welcomed the audience. “I think the idea behind this meeting is perfectly captured by the workshop poster, which displays a bridge connecting Dubna located on the Volga River and Cairo on the banks of the Nile. But there is no sign of heavy traffic on this bridge. I hope that the work and discussions within this event will enhance the scientific traffic on this bridge,” he said. Vladimir Korenkov, MLIT Scientific Leader and Member of the QCML Program Committee, underlined at the opening that quantum computing and machine learning were currently fundamentally crucial areas of development in the field of information technology. At the workshop, Vladimir Korenkov delivered a report on data processing methods and technologies in heterogeneous computing environments. MLIT Director Sergei Shmatov discussed data processing methods and algorithms in high-energy physics experiments. UC Director Dmitry Kamanin gave a talk on JINR’s educational programs and approaches. Scientific reports were presented by Victor Yushankhai from BLTP, Arsen Khvedelidze, Martin Bures, Maxim Zuev, Vahagn Abgaryan, Savelii Omelyanchuk, Nikita Ryabov, and Mikhail Katulin from MLIT. In his commentary on the results of QCML-2025, Arsen Khvedelidze highlighted that the scientific field of quantum computing had enormous potential, but the creation of a fully-fledged quantum computer was still ahead. Nevertheless, scientists worldwide are actively working and making progress in this promising area. Quantum computing entails both a deep understanding of mathematics and strong skills in mathematical programming. The QCML-2025 workshop in Cairo pursued two objectives, namely, to present the results and topics of JINR’s research in the field of quantum computing and machine learning to the Egyptian scientific community and learn about Egyptian colleagues’ achievements in these fields. As a result, a mutual understanding of the structure and diversity of the scientific landscape in this area of information technology was formed. In addition, there were established personal scientific contacts, which may result in joint research projects in the foreseeable future. “This meeting was undoubtedly fruitful. We not only gained an understanding of which Egyptian colleagues are working in which of these areas, but also met those who are conducting research in both quantum computing and machine learning. This intersection is highly interesting,” Arsen Khvedelidze said. He also pointed out the very broad range of tasks related to quantum learning and machine learning being explored by Egyptian scientists. Unlike JINR’s research in this field, which is of a fundamental, mathematical nature, Egypt is more focused on applied studies. “These differences are beneficial to both JINR and the Egyptian scientific community. We can harmoniously and effectively complement each other’s scientific work. For example, I had questions about a talk by Professor Ahmed El-Mahdy, a computer scientist at Nile University, and we eventually came up with the idea for a project. This provides an opportunity to initiate collaboration on a specific task and build further cooperation around it,” Arsen Khvedelidze emphasized. Given the growing global interest in quantum computing, a series of similar workshops in the Institute’s Member States will allow for a common map of research, topics, work, and results achieved. Arsen Khvedelidze expressed hope that this conference would serve as a starting point, a first step toward combining the efforts of the JINR Member States in this innovative sphere. The QCML workshop also became a site for expert meetings and discussions. UC Director Dmitry Kamanin and Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Department Elena Badawi, together with the Egyptian delegation, organized meetings with ASRT President at the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, as well as a roundtable discussion with the management and specialists of several Egyptian scientific organizations. See also: Prospects of holding JINR student internships for Africa discussed in Cairo Round table with representatives of Egyptian scientific organizations
