Quantum technology is changing the world, but people don’t feel connected to it

An exhibition at the Lowlands music festival, a lecture at a pop venue or joining a talk show. Julia Cramer is creating opportunities everywhere to enthusiastically tell people about quantum. He also conducts research as a university lecturer quantum & society At Leiden University with colleagues, what the general public thinks and knows about quantum science and technology. “My goal is to bring more quantum to society.”

Whenever possible, Cramer combines science communication and research. For example, in 2022, when Leiden named itself the European City of Science, he helped organize an informative quantum walk and used the opportunity to use questionnaires to measure what people think about quantum. “I think doing research and also delivering is a nice combination,” he says in his office, the wall of which is lined with posters that were part of the quantum walk.

The survey consisted of statements such as: Quantum technology will affect my life and a quiz that tests what people know about quantum using images depicting quantum phenomena. “The questionnaires were completed in a neighborhood with a lot of highly educated people, so they don’t fully reflect society,” says Cramer. “But quantum research in society is quite new. So this is just the beginning.” The study, in which Cramer collaborated with statistician Sanne Willems, was published last summer Journal of Physics Communications.

Before a new technology becomes part of society, it must work well

It turns out that people who have heard about quantum consider it important and think it will change their lives. But they also have a sense that they themselves have no influence on it, says Cramer. “They don’t feel connected to development.”

In the meantime, this development continues. Quantum computers, which promise to perform certain calculations billions of times faster than today’s supercomputers, are approaching. And the first step has been taken towards the Dutch quantum internet, which promises inherently secure communication.

According to Cramer, quantum technology can have a big impact on society. “I hope that with further research we will better understand how we can strengthen the connection between society and quantum so that everyone feels more included.”

Most people don’t know exactly how their computer or smartphone works. Why should they know more about quantum technology?

“Computers and phones use technologies that we have known for some time and that are an accepted part of our society. Quantum technology is not that yet. Before a new technology becomes part of society, it must work well. But in addition, society must be ready for technology and technology must be ready for society. We know from previous research that the two align better if you involve future users in development as early as possible and see together what applications are possible. For this, it is important that the general public knows something about quantum and how it can change society.

What happens if the new technology does not fit well with society?

“Then a promising development may disappear or not be used, or hardly be used at all. You see this with self-driving cars, for example, which can do much more than we let them do because it’s difficult with our laws and regulations. 5G, vaccinations and artificial intelligence are other examples. This development, like quantum technology, is quite complex. They can have a big impact on society, but if people don’t understand it properly, making it a far-fetched show, or if the apps don’t meet their needs, this is a deterrent and not widely adopted. This can also increase inequality in society.”

How can quantum technology increase inequality?

“For example, because some people have access to it and others don’t. This difference can arise because not everyone can afford it, or because some people don’t understand it, are afraid of it, or because it doesn’t fit into their lives. I hope that as we develop quantum technology, we will ensure that it does not increase social inequality.”

Quantum is seen as something that only university graduates are interested in. But that’s not really true

How can you prevent it?

“Quantum is seen as something that only university graduates are involved in. But that’s not really true. Quantum technology is being worked on from different perspectives. Next door is, for example, the Leiden Instrumentmakers School (a vocational secondary course), where a lot of work is done with quantum technology. Quantum technology requires new equipment, which also requires the expertise of people trained in practice. Therefore, many different groups in society can participate. Everyone can be at the forefront of this new technology and make it part of their work and life.

And for those who are not involved in the development of quantum technology?

“It is also important for them to think about their wishes and expectations. Science communication, for example through the media, plays a role in improving the connection between quantum and society. We also study how this communication takes place. But in that case – just like with today’s computers – you don’t need to understand in detail how it works. Ultimately, we have computers, phones, and future quantum technology to make our lives easier. And you don’t have to understand the laws of quantum mechanics to be eligible.”

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