Exploring the Societal Impacts of Advanced Quantum Technology
Outcome/Accomplishment
Sarah Young of the University of Arizona and Brian Smith of the University of Oregon, both researchers at the Center for Quantum Networks (NSF CQN), a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC), organized a cross-disciplinary panel titled “Impacts of Quantum Technologies on Society – Quantum for Good?” at the 2024 Frontiers in Optics (FiO) annual conference in Denver, CO.
Impact/Benefits
The panel convened stakeholders from industry, academia, and government in quantum information systems and technology (QIST) and social sciences to explore the intersections of their respective fields. Among the topics discussed were law, governance, standards, science communications, education, and the ethical and economic impacts of QIST.
Explanation/Background
: Research in optics and quantum engineering share a very strong collaborative relationship. The community studying light focuses on the study of photons, inherently quantum particles. Photons are also the medium used to transmit information in quantum computing. Thus, advancements in either lead to advancements for both.
FiO is the premier annual event for optics and photonics professionals. Held annually at the Denver Convention Center, the conference provides attendees from around the world with the opportunity to network, present, learn and connect. With the current state and pace of technical innovation, it is more important than ever to address ethics and societal impacts at events like FiO.
“Impacts of Quantum Technologies on Society—Quantum for Good?” explored the current and future impacts of QIST on society including topics of law, governance, standards, science communications, as well as the ethical and economic impacts of QIST. The aims of the panel included raising awareness of the impacts of QIST on society, building a community of informed stakeholders from various communities involved in QIST including industry, national laboratories, academia, and government and identifying key issues that will drive future activities in this critical cross section of science, technology, education, business and government.
Location
Tucson, Arizonawebsite
Start Year
Microelectronics and IT
Quantum, Microelectronics, Sensing, and IT
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
Sarah Young of the University of Arizona and Brian Smith of the University of Oregon, both researchers at the Center for Quantum Networks (NSF CQN), a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC), organized a cross-disciplinary panel titled “Impacts of Quantum Technologies on Society – Quantum for Good?” at the 2024 Frontiers in Optics (FiO) annual conference in Denver, CO.
Location
Tucson, Arizonawebsite
Start Year
Microelectronics and IT
Quantum, Microelectronics, Sensing, and IT
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
The panel convened stakeholders from industry, academia, and government in quantum information systems and technology (QIST) and social sciences to explore the intersections of their respective fields. Among the topics discussed were law, governance, standards, science communications, education, and the ethical and economic impacts of QIST.
Explanation/Background
: Research in optics and quantum engineering share a very strong collaborative relationship. The community studying light focuses on the study of photons, inherently quantum particles. Photons are also the medium used to transmit information in quantum computing. Thus, advancements in either lead to advancements for both.
FiO is the premier annual event for optics and photonics professionals. Held annually at the Denver Convention Center, the conference provides attendees from around the world with the opportunity to network, present, learn and connect. With the current state and pace of technical innovation, it is more important than ever to address ethics and societal impacts at events like FiO.
“Impacts of Quantum Technologies on Society—Quantum for Good?” explored the current and future impacts of QIST on society including topics of law, governance, standards, science communications, as well as the ethical and economic impacts of QIST. The aims of the panel included raising awareness of the impacts of QIST on society, building a community of informed stakeholders from various communities involved in QIST including industry, national laboratories, academia, and government and identifying key issues that will drive future activities in this critical cross section of science, technology, education, business and government.