Centennial of quantum theory in Belgrade: CEQPAS and the molecular excited state spectroscopy (MOLESs) initiative

The first week of November 2025 saw two events in Belgrade celebrating one hundred years of quantum mechanics and its impact on chemistry and molecular science. The Centennial of Quantum Theory: Progress in Atomic and Molecular Structure (CEQPAS) brought together researchers from across Europe and beyond to reflect on the scientific legacy of quantum theory and to showcase current advances in atomic and molecular spectroscopy, collision processes relevant to plasma research, chemical bonding, quantum chemistry, and the design of functional molecules, astrochemistry, the use of AI/ML for the analysis and generation of atomic and molecular data and wider applications of quantum science. Immediately after CEQPAS, a new international initiative was launched: MOLecular Excited State spectroscopy (MOLESs), whose primary goal is to develop an atlas of molecular electronic structure and excited-state spectroscopy that rigorously integrates experiment and theory. Together, CEQPAS and MOLESs align historical perspective with future capability, positioning Belgrade as a regional hub for quantum-enabled molecular science.