Written by Wenmiao Yu, Co-Founder & Director of Business Development, Quantum Dice
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the United Nations Opening Ceremony for the International Year of Quantum Technologies and Sciences at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, as part of the Institute of Physics delegation. It was a monumental gathering, uniting academic and industry thought leaders, public servants, and advocates from around the world, all working to advance the development of quantum technologies that will reshape our future. The event was not only a celebration of scientific progress but also a call to action for global collaboration.
One key takeaway for me was the conversation around open science, as Professor Ana Maria Cetto from the National Autonomous University of Mexico emphasised that it’s no longer just about sharing published papers. Instead, it’s about fostering an open-minded exchange between scientific communities, collaborating across disciplines to understand the natural world in new ways.
The discussions were not limited to just the scientific community. Public outreach also played a crucial role in shaping the future of quantum technologies, as Professor John Doyle from Harvard University reminded us that we must make time to reflect and engage with society. This commitment to outreach will provide the fertile soil needed to reach the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals.
A recurring theme was the importance of avoiding exaggerated hype around quantum technologies. Professor Alain Aspect, a Nobel Laureate in Physics, emphasised the necessity of having access to reliable, well-curated information—something as simple as turning to trusted resources like Wikipedia can help ensure accurate understanding.
In the area of post-quantum security, Dr. Stephanie Simmons, co-chair of the Advisory Council on Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, Founder of Photonic Inc, and a Canadian Research Chair in Quantum Computing at Simon Fraser University, stressed the urgency of preparing for a secure quantum future. Her emphasis is on ensuring that quantum systems do not just innovate but also protect our existing digital infrastructure. In a similar tone, Dr. Grégoire Ribordy, CEO of ID Quantique and a pioneer of quantum communications technologies, talked about the importance of certification in post-quantum security, such as for Quantum Key Distribution, to ensure trust in these emerging systems.
It was also clear that fostering interest and resources for future quantum students is critical. From high school teachers acting as local nodes engaging young minds to initiatives like Girls in Quantum, founded by Elisa Torres Durney, that signpost the next steps for excited students in the quantum ecosystem, it’s essential to keep the momentum going for the next generation of quantum scientists and technologists. A recurring theme was making quantum technologies accessible to all. Diya Nair, a former Quantum Dice summer intern and current Girls in Quantum ambassador, highlighted to me the importance of opening doors for young women to pursue careers in quantum science, manoeuvring barriers in what could easily become another male-dominated field.
As I reflect on my experience over the two days in Paris, I’m reminded of the collective power of collaboration and education in bringing quantum technologies to life, and the responsibility we all share to ensure these innovations serve humanity, equitably and securely.
