Centre for Quantum and Society

✨ As 2024 comes to an end and 2025 presents itself as the UNESCO International Year of Quantum, it is the perfect time to start having meaningful conversations as a society at large, about quantum science and technology. On World Quantum Day, April 14, 2024 Quantum Delta NL officially launched the National Quantum Course, an initiative that aims to demystify quantum technology for the general public, students, businesses, and policymakers alike, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the quantum era confidently. 💡Do you know some curious minds that would be interested in learning about it in an accessible way? Share the link to our National Quantum Course with your friends and communities, get them into the world of the tiniest particles and help us put the building blocks towards a quantum-literate society, ready to harness the transformative power of this emerging field. 🔗 Access the course here (only in Dutch now, an English version is in the making): https://lnkd.in/e5Ep_WSk 💡 Watch the video 👇 of our colleague and the course 'tour guide' Julia Cramer on her impressions about how useful this resource is. Jim Stolze Koen Groenland Diederick Croese Clare Shelley-Egan Deborah Nas Ulrich Mans Daniël Frijters Pieter Vermaas Joris van Hoboken Vania López Luis Antonio Gómez Pérez

💡 Watch this interview with Julia Cramer and Evert van Nieuwenburg at NPOradio NPO about what could be done in the future with quantum technology and why we should all be interested in that. 🔗 Check the link here: https://lnkd.in/ezg2JC3b Julia Cramer is a quantum physicist and science communication researcher, interested in the boundary between fundamental science and society. She leads our Quantum and Society research group at Universiteit Leiden, a group that explores the boundary between quantum technology and science communication. Evert van Nieuwenburg is an assistant professor at Leiden University and creator of QuantumPlayed that focuses on using Quantum Games to raise awareness, build talent, and educate all levels of society about quantum technology. At the university, he is part of the Applied Quantum Algorithms initiative. He leads a subgroup that researches the state of the art on the interface between Machine Learning and Quantum physics. Quantum Delta NL Marien R. Vincent Koeman Muhammad Unggul Karami Aletta Meinsma Dunja Wackers

💡Given the scale and complexity of the energy transition and its relevance for the future of the Netherlands, TNO Vector collaborated with our centre to bring together a group of domain experts from the energy sector as well as specialists in quantum technologies, to co-create a comprehensive and practical scoping of potential applications of quantum technology, that have been compiled in an interactive visual summary. This visual, designed by Flatland, is an open source resource to be used by researchers and practitioners who would like to contribute to its developments, and explore the potential of quantum to tackle this challenge. 🔎About our methodology: To ‘scope the energy transition’ we used the Dutch Energy System Plan as it outlines key goals and challenges to ensure energy security, reduce emissions, and support climate neutrality by 2050 in the Netherlands. We used the four primary energy commodities the plan breaks energy transition down into: carbon, electricity, heat, and hydrogen.  We used the generic quantum technology concepts – computing, sensing, and networking – which were each combined with key concepts related to the four energy commodities. 🔎About the visual as a valuable resource: By providing an accessible overview of potential quantum applications for the energy transition, this visual enabled us to validate these applications and identify new ones through interviews and workshops with energy domain experts. These conversations also showed that the visual serves as an inspiring medium for bridging the gap between these domains and for starting a discussion on the potential of quantum technology for addressing societal challenges.  🔎How to navigate the visual Applications are color-coded according to three quantum technology pillars (sensing, computing, and communication) as displayed in the centre of the image. The first ring shows potential quantum technology applications that have been publicly reported The outer ring includes a few use cases that are expected to become relevant further in the future  It includes a description of each use case as well as a reference to the literature in which it is described in more detail 💡The energy transition is just one of many societal transitions in which we find ourselves. Future explorations could therefore focus on the potential of quantum technology for other transitions, such as health, agri-food and the circular economy. This will help us demonstrate how this emerging technology can contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and encourage the use of Quantum for Good. 🔗Access the visual here: https://lnkd.in/efvyZeBz 🤝The visual is a living resource, collaborate with us in improving this work! Tell us about other use cases, sectors to tackle and companies to get involved. Reach us at [email protected]. Diederick Croese Julian Rabbie Esteban Aguilera, PhD Simon Cramer Daan Pisa Quantum Delta NL

📣 Join us for the next Quantum & Society Research Colloquium with Dr Petros Terzis as our speaker, with the lecture 'Where things are and aren’t: Policy logics and geopolitical anxieties in the standardisation of quantum technologies'. This lecture will discuss findings of a year-long empirical study of the field of quantum standardisation. The study represents the first empirical exploration of the emerging field of quantum standardisation. Through active observation of the workings in the CEN-CENELEC JTC 22 and the ISO-IEC JTC 3 as well as through interviews with relevant stakeholders, this research projects illustrates aspects of a field where the (very early) science of quantum technologies (including and especially quantum computing) meets the (very eager) policy demand for security and commercialisation.   The talk will be hosted (in person, with the possibility to attend remotely) by the Law and Governance of Quantum Technologies group, Institute for Information Law (IViR) in collaboration with the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the critical infrastructure lab, University of Amsterdam. 📆 14 January, 2024 🕞 15.30-16.45 (followed by drinks reception)  📍 IViR Room, Institute for Information Law, Roeterseilandcomplex, Building A, 5th floor, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, 1018 WV Amsterdam 💡Interested in attending, or receiving updates about future events? Register here: https://lnkd.in/enjB58Fj 🧑🎓 Dr Petros Terzis (he/him) is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Information Law, University of Amsterdam. His work focuses on the law and governance of quantum technologies and the political economy of computing. Working with prof. dr. Joris van Hoboken and the research group on the law and governance of quantum technologies at IViR. Petros’s work explores the standardisation initiatives and practices for quantum technologies in the EU in an attempt to contextualise them within the broader ecosystem of technology production and to study the various ways that current configurations of power therein (pre)shape and (pre)determine future trajectories of otherwise generative (quantum) technologies.    🔎 Read more about Petros' work here: https://lnkd.in/eMKWrYVV 🔎 Find more information about the Law and Governance of Quantum Technology Research Group here: https://lnkd.in/evHk3KEW Anh Nguyen Bengi Zeybek Anushka Mittal Plixavra Vogiatzoglou 🟥Quantum Delta NL

The future promises to be profoundly strange. This was the core theme of today’s flagship event organised by the Centre for Future Generations (CFG) in Brussels—a day filled with thought-provoking sessions on the possibilities of tomorrow. Quantum technologies, in particular, embody this theme perfectly. Why? 🤔 Because they challenge our very understanding of reality. Particles can exist in multiple states at once, communicate across distances instantaneously, and unlock computational powers far beyond what today’s supercomputers can achieve. This potential for radical change is exactly why quantum is a cornerstone of a profoundly strange—and exciting—future. 🚀 I had the privilege of co-organising a session on quantum technologies alongside Leonardo Quattrucci from CFG. Together, the Centre for Quantum and Society and CFG are exploring the intersection of advanced AI, climate tech, biotech, neurotech, and quantum—an unprecedented convergence that could reshape our world. After giving the audience a 30-minute crash course on quantum, breaking down its mysteries into accessible insights, we dove into an interactive experience with our Quantum Game 🎲. It proved a great way to help participants understand quantum applications in an engaging and fun way. A huge thank you to Juwe van Vliet for all your hard work in bringing the game to life! 🙌 If you’re interested in hosting a keynote or an interactive session about quantum technologies—no prior knowledge required—I’d love to collaborate. Let’s explore the profoundly strange and transformative possibilities of quantum together! ✨ #QuantumForGood #Quantum #TechPolicy

🚀 Wrapping Up our Program Day at Action Line 4 (Quantum and Society) of Quantum Delta NL! 🚀 🤝 It's this time of the year again when our members, collaborators and colleagues interested in the societal impact of quantum technology come together to exchange ideas and receive updates on our research and projects. 💡Our day was packed with insightful sessions, stimulating discussions, and networking opportunities. From engaging presentations about a new European quantum computer to be hosted at SURF in Amsterdam, to our researchers' Anh Nguyen Sybolt Doorn Benedict Lane Vincent Koeman Aletta Meinsma Marien R. updates, the Quantum and Arts initiatives by Giada La Gala and @Martijn Weber, and the development of the Future Scenario Game by Deborah Nas and Juwe van Vliet, it was a day full of learning and collaboration. 🤝 Our special highlight of the day was sharing our gathering with professionals working on the track of education for younger generations from Quantum Delta NL, to align on projects and foster collaborations between our teams Michiel Thijssen Rutger Ockhorst Suzan Van Dongen Hilde Wijngaard Wieteke de Boer Kirsten Stadermann Carolien Swart-Castenmiller Doutzen Abma Henk buisman Nathalie Thielen 🟥 Kim Krijtenburg-Lewerissa @Magriet van der Heijden 👏 Thank you to all our colleagues for joining and our team for organizing such a wonderful day at Delft University of Technology EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) Duuk Baten Wojciech Kozlowski Ariana Torres Knoop SURF Diederick Croese Daniël Frijters Ulrich Mans Ilona van der Rijt Luis Antonio Gómez Pérez Michiel Schuurman Pieter Vermaas Pieter de Witte Clare Shelley-Egan Julia Cramer Vania López Joris van Hoboken

Calling all policymakers interested in emerging technologies! 🚀 How can we ensure that emerging technologies like quantum computing are used for good while minimizing unwanted side effects? It starts with policymakers getting involved from the very beginning. Take quantum technologies as an example: 🔹 Though still in their early stages, they hold transformative potential. 🔹 Policymakers need to understand the current state, timelines, and future applications. 🔹 With this knowledge, they can create balanced regulations that foster innovation, grow a quantum economy, and enhance European competitiveness. 🗓️ On December 11, the Centre for Quantum and Society and The International Center for Future Generations - ICFG are hosting a workshop to dive into these critical topics. You’ll: 1️⃣ Learn about the latest in quantum technologies and policies through a short keynote. 2️⃣ Participate in an interactive session using our Strategic Foresight tools. ⚡ The event is fully booked – but don't worry! We anticipate some spots opening in the next two weeks. If you're eager to join, secure your spot on the waitlist here: https://lnkd.in/encGhmiF Let’s shape the future of emerging technologies together! 🌟 Leonardo Quattrucci Phoebe Kwan Juwe van Vliet Vania López #QuantumTechnologies #Policymaking #Innovation #StrategicForesight

📣 The Centre for Quantum and Society (CQS), in collaboration with Quantum Delta NL, proudly announces the launch of the Quantum for Good Challenges, accelerating the development of societally beneficial quantum applications ahead of the UN International Year of Quantum.   💡For the next 4 years CQS will host multiple annual competitions to drive the advancement of quantum applications aimed at addressing major societal challenges.  👏 The first Challenge invites students across The Netherlands to explore and research the possibilities of leveraging quantum sensing to address microplastics pollution. It will begin with a Hackathon at the end of January, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the Centre for Quantum & Society and leading up to the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, launching in Paris on February 4th. Students from any university or University of Applied Sciences across The Netherlands can participate and engage in: ✔️ a series of interactive workshops, ✔️ coaching sessions, ✔️ site visits and, ✔️ networking with academics and industry professionals, 📆 The grand finale will be in May 2025, during the next edition of Quantum Meets. 🏆 Teams will compete for prizes of €3,000 for the first-place team, €2,000 for second place, and €1,000 for third place, serving as recognition and potential seed funding for their projects. 💡Are you interested in participating in the #Q4GChallenge or do you know someone who might be interested? Share the link to register until January 24, 2024 👇 https://lnkd.in/e6v9nzvw 🔎 Read the full information and FAQ here: https://lnkd.in/eBZ6fhkG Michiel Schuurman Diederick Croese Deborah Nas Daniël Frijters Ulrich Mans Clare Shelley-Egan Pieter Vermaas Joris van Hoboken Julia Cramer Vania López Luis Antonio Gómez Pérez Ilse Geurts Mohammad-Amin Moradi Brigitte Tel Hilde Wijngaard Saxion University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences Fontys University of Applied Sciences Bart Groeneveld Basten van der Vorm

Today we organized an Exploratory Quantum Technology Assessment (EQTA) for employees of PBL Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving and TNO - a methodology to explore and answer the ethical, social and practical questions surrounding quantum applications at an early stage. What exactly does an EQTA entail? And for whom is such an EQTA valuable? The EQTA step-by-step plan offers a guide for companies to: ✔Make a quick scan that includes an orientation on quantum technology, ✔Draw timelines and possible applications, ✔Make a short description of what impact an organization might experience and/or which applications are relevant, ✔Make a short stakeholder analysis to define who will be experiencing impact, ✔Host a dialogue session to explore and test what is needed to make optimal use of the possibilities of quantum technology and, if necessary, to prevent negative effects. The EQTA supports two types of organizations: ✔Organizations experiencing the impact of quantum technology now or in the future once quantum technology is increasingly adopted. ✔Organizations developing or applying quantum technology themselves at present or in future. In the EQTA workshops you will go through the quickscan with (one of) our experts and discover what the results are for your organization. 💡 Would you like more information about the EQTA or are you curious? View the frequently asked questions here: https://lnkd.in/evdFdzzv 🔎 Would you like to read the full EQTA? That's possible here: https://lnkd.in/eK_-Dnzx Quantum Delta NL Deborah Nas Germain van der Velden MSc CISSP Luis Antonio Gómez Pérez Ulrich Mans  Clare Shelley-Egan Joris van Hoboken    Julia Cramer Pieter Vermaas Diederick Croese  Jelle Attema Hannah Boute   Daniël Frijters  Malon van der Toorn

🙌 On November, 29, our colleagues Dunja Wackers and Julia Cramer together with Roosmaryn Pilgram are hosting a symposium on the reception of metaphors for quantum science and technology. The symposium serves as a kick-off of their new research project, (partially) funded by a KIEM grant from Leiden University. 💡 Are you interested in the role of metaphors in science communication? Or do you ever wonder whether a given metaphor for a (scientific) concept actually makes the concept more comprehensible for a layperson – without oversimplifying it? Feel welcome to join the symposium and participate in the discussion about how metaphors for quantum are received by different audience segments, and what may trigger resistance to these metaphors amongst experts and laypersons. The event will have a great line-up of speakers: Aletta Meinsma, Lotte van Poppel, Britta Brugman. Their talks will address various aspects of metaphor reception, including: resistance to metaphor, expert opinions on metaphors for quantum, and metaphor use in humor and audience reactions on social media. 🔎 Time and location: 13:00 to 16:30 (followed by drinks), at Lipsius, room 2.03 (Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University). Participation is free 🔎 For more information, including the programme, and registration, visit the event page: https://lnkd.in/e3iQB2_Z