Shawn Skelton, Anna Brandenberger, Anna Knörr, Jaime Redondo-Yuste, and Manu Srivastava - A Quantum of Hope (in-person workshop) [Hype Studies Conference 2025 presentation]
Skelton, Shawn; Brandenberger, Anna; Knörr, Anna; Redondo-Yuste, Jaime; Srivastava, Manu
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- Zenodo
- Language
- en
Abstract
[Note that the file contains, after the presentation, additional materials from the workshop are provided] Second-wave quantum technologies are in a superposition: they have transitioned from bold ideas to functioning prototypes yet remain far from mature technologies. While quantum technologies hold legitimate potential, there is also a great deal of hype. While the science is not easy to explain, this does not make it less important for the public to understand the plausibility, potential risks, and aspired benefits of the quantum technologies currently taking shape. This project aims to give the interested public insight into the current research world of quantum science & technology through the medium of theatre. Through our play "A Quantum of Hope", we hope to engage the public in discussing the still-uncertain future trajectory of quantum science & technology: In a Douglas Adams-inspired setting, planet Earth must prove its scientific value to the Galactic Federation of Science & Technology (GAFSAT) within five years. A council of five quantum scientists and entrepreneurs is summoned to discuss which quantum research directions might live up to this formidable task. Through satire and plot twists, the audience is led through the characters' unabashed discussions on the promise and peril of quantum computers, simulations, sensors, and quantum foundations research. But, ultimately, who gets to decide? In this workshop, I will briefly outline my experiences with creating quantum technologies fiction and then invite audience participation to read a section of the play. I will then guide a group discussion, focusing on how humor can be a powerful tool in science communication; the tensions between accurate representations of quantum science and narrative accessibility; and how to discuss values in science within a narrative. This workshop will be mostly in person. Online spectation is possible, but online participation not. Maximum participants is 20, first come, first served.
Full text
A Quantum of Hope S. E. Skelton, A. Knörr, J. Redondo Yuste, M. Srivastava, A. Brandenberger (Don’t) Believe the Hype Conference 2025
Introduction •Hype complicates and motivates science outreach •Outreach is an interdisciplinary challenge •what is important to understand? •what background knowledge is expected? •what risks/benefits should be emphasized? •Outreach can stay at a functional understanding of a technology A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 2 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 2
Plan for the workshop 1. How 5grad students wrote a science outreach play 2. Brainstorming session 3. Discussion session 4. Optional: read the script A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 3 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 3
Background to the Project An institute with a solid track record of community engagement and robust funding A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 4 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 4
Why do this: the authors •We wanted to blend storytelling and science •Science fiction is the obvious starting point •Anticipatory technologies and an anticipatory genre •The initial plan spun out into a play A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 5 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 5
Why do this: the institute Quantum Tech is in the public eye •Rampant misunderstandings about the technology •But also curiosity Why quantum technology and not quantum science? •Math/phys is hierarchical, technology is less so •Theater needs a high suspension of disbelief •Simple plots are acceptable •Healthy community theater scene A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 6 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 6
The timeline TIMELINE PSI Reunion June 2024 Storyboard & Characters Writing first draft begins! We are here September 2024 December 2024 First draft complete! (~80 pages, 1.5h) April 2025 Table work sessions May 2025 Editing & beta reader feedback June 2025 Professional editing July/August 2025 Staged reading @Perimeter's 25 year anniversary celebration September 2025 plan to make available via arxiv → potential usage in classroom setting A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 7 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 7
The premise: science under pressure 12 angry men meets Douglas Adams meets Brecht •The aliens are coming to destroy the earth! •(Pending environmental impact assessment) •The earth has a chance... A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 8 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 8
The plot Five actors from quantum technology meet to pick a proposal to (maybe) save the world in five years •All technicians, from industry and academia •Different nationalities, values, skills •Five proposals, showing off different research agendas in quantum technology A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 9 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 9
Quantum foundations Let’s get to the heart of quantum weirdness •open ontological (or epistemic) questions about quantum theory • Debating these questions was central in the heydays of Bohr and Einstein, but less rewarded these days •Hopes that quantum foundations can point towards quantum gravity • Our council concludes: not a good organizational fit for short term highly organized/centralized funding A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 16 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 16
FTQC The hurdles to quantum computing are overcomable engineering challenges •Focuses on the challenge of improving hardware •Building such a quantum computer is not ’just’ an engineering challenge - that’s really hard stuff! •Both academic and big tech labs are at forefront, would likely be used both for research and commercially •Our council concludes: A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 17 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 17
Quantum simulators Look we know you don’t think efficient batteries are sexy but have you seen the scope of the ensuing energy crisis? •Focuses on task-specific simulators: conceptual hybird of task specific computers and physical models/experiments • More narrow application in mind - first and foremost physics and materials science •Still a hardware challenge, but more manageable than FTQC •Our council concludes: A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 18 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 18
Quantum sensors By uplifting sensors and scientific measurements, we uplift all science! •(Second wave) quantum technologies are not just about computing •When used in public discourse, ’quantum sensors’ is often an umbrella term - false impression that we ’already have quantum sensors’ because we already have e.g. magnetometers •Opportunity to emphasize that science is empirical •Potential for commercial applications of advanced quantum sensors in e.g. biomedical areas •Our council concludes: A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 19 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 19
Your turn! •Your research topic has been selected as the criteria on which all earth science and culture will be judged! •You can have 4−6actors decide: who are they? •You can consider 4−6proposals: what are they? •Who decides? Bonus: who guides your audience through it all? A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 20 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 20
Suggested considerations •Who is your intended audience? •What do they already know ? •What hype have they already heard? •What values come up in your field? A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 21 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 21
Discussion •What tech did you pick, what audience? •What were the core points you wanted to communicate? •Who was your cast, what were your proposals? •What was the hardest part? A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 22 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 22
Acknowledgments Many thanks to Perimeter Institute and Two Small Fish for sponsorship! A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 23 A QUANTUM OF HOPE (don’t) believe the hype 28–10–2025 23
Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum Let’s unlock the potential of NISQ together!
Let's get to the heart of quantum weirdness. Quantum Foundations
