Dr. Julia Cramer

The current ‘second quantum revolution’ promises dramatic technological changes for society. While there is clearly an international push to quantum research and development, it also comes with societal responsibility. Now is the time to involve society. We live in a time of science skepticism. We know from climate debates and vaccine discussions that our current society does not just ‘believe’ in science. This is a very different cultural atmosphere than the times in which the classical computer entered society and people set foot on the moon. Besides that, quantum is often seen as spooky, too difficult or irrelevant to many people. We think that research on the impact of quantum technology on society is highly relevant. Understanding the concerns, questions and acceptance within societal groups will help to increase the societal relevance of quantum technology, as we will know in an early stage what specific groups in society need and expect from this new technology.

The ambition of my research group Quantum and Society at Leiden University is that social engagement, both of the quantum community towards society, and of society towards quantum technology, should be increased and improved in a well-considered way. Although there are quantum outreach activities, they are often not evaluated. Studies on the impact of communication by experts and media, the attitudes of social groups, empirical research on interventions such as popular science events and dialogues between scientists and society will contribute to improving and advising on the societal implementation of the promising quantum technology.

In this talk I will discuss the urge for and implications of research on quantum and society from a science communication perspective. I will discuss some of our research findings of our research group, such as the result of a framing-study on TEDx talks and news articles about quantum and our findings of a quantum exhibition at a large music festival in The Netherlands.