How much do you know about quantum? If reading from Europe, you might have heard about it but not know the specifics, according to the first European survey of public attitudes towards quantum science and technology.
The poll showed that most adults in France and Germany (78 per cent) are aware of quantum technology, and many also know about how it could tackle major societal challenges.
But only one third of respondents had a good level of understanding about what quantum is, and 49 per cent had heard of it but didn’t know what it is.
Quantum science is the study of quantum particles, which are the fundamental building blocks of matter and energy that operate according to quantum mechanics rather than classical physics.
These particles are key to technologies such as GPS, semiconductors, and MRI scanners. They cannot be seen even with a traditional optical microscope, like electrons, protons, or individual atoms.
The study, conducted by YouGov was released to coincide with World Quantum Day on Monday and the United Nations’ International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
This year also marks the 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.
Quantum uses
The survey also found that in total, 47 per cent of those surveyed said they believe quantum will have a positive impact on their country over the next five years.
Almost half of respondents said they were optimistic about quantum’s impact on health, energy, cybersecurity, and climate change.
Quantum could help in areas such as healthcare by delivering precise medical imaging through quantum sensors, and speed up drug discoveries by simulating molecular interactions.
In combatting the effects of climate change, quantum physics allows scientists to develop next-generation sensors for environmental monitoring.
For security, quantum encryption can protect communications, while quantum computers could solve previously intractable problems that standard computers cannot.
Europe’s quantum game
In November last year, the EU’s technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen said quantum technology was a field in which Europe should be optimistic and mapped out a quantum strategy, which includes the development of a European quantum chip and a possible Quantum Act.
The EU also called for €65 million of funding to accelerate the industrialisation of quantum chips last year, which came as part of a broader €200 million investment across three years within the EU Chips Act.
The EU is not the only place that is betting big on quantum.
To mark World Quantum Day, the United Kingdom also announced a £121 million (€140 million) investment in quantum technology for societal issues, which included fighting fraud and money laundering.
However, despite European Nobel laureate Anton Zeilinger laying the groundwork for quantum, Europe lags behind China and the US when it comes to quantum technology as it lacks the necessary infrastructure, deployment, and investment.
“Europe suffers from very limited private investments in quantum technologies vis-à-vis other geo-blocks,” Mario Draghi said in his report on the future of European competitiveness, adding that the EU should develop an internationally competitive ecosystem.
