Fifth DSI Strategy Lab

Over the past 100 years, quantum mechanics has transformed from a fundamental science that describes phenomena observed in nature to a discipline in which fundamental science are interlinked to an increasing degree with technological applications and engineering. We are now able to decisively build, control, and use the quantum mechanical nature of systems. This achievement is often referred to as the second quantum revolution. Companies and public institutions have substantially increased funding of research and development of quantum technologies over the past years, with the vision that quantum sensing, quantum communication and quantum computing will become cornerstones of our future digital technology.

The fifth Strategy Lab is set out evaluate the status and possible futures of quantum technologies and formulate recommendations which decisions need to be taken now – by industry, politics and in education – to be optimally prepared for these future scenarios and to promote the desirable ones.
 

DSI Spotlights shed light on individual aspects of digitalization in short videos.
As part of the fifth DSI Strategy Lab, two such videos were produced on the topics of «Quantum computers explained in a nutshell» and «Quantum encryption».

Quantum computers will be as standard in the future as conventional computers are today. But what exactly are quantum computers? And what makes them so much better than the computers we have available today? Physicist and professor at the University of Zurich Marcelle Soares-Santos explains exactly that in this video.

Quantum computers will be way more powerful than the computers we have today. This often makes people worry that quantum computers will be able to crack encrypted data easily, making it unsecure. In this video, Christof Aegerter, a physicist and professor at the University of Zurich, explains why this worry is unfounded and why we'll still be able to shop online securely in the future.
 

The following events have been held or are planned as part of the Strategy Lab so far:

• Two workshops in 2024, which focused on in-depth discussions between experts on potential applications and challenges of quantum technologies, as well as appropriate regulatory measures;
• A Quantum Century Escape Room that offers an educational medium on campus that familiarizes visitors with quantum mechanical phenomena and quantum technologies;
• A summer school on quantum computing and technologies, providing a solid academic grounding in quantum research and technologies: quantum computing, quantum communication and regulatory aspects;
• A Parlidigi Masterclass in the fall session of the Federal Parliament, offering politicians a continuing education format on the future of quantum technologies and the challenges they present;
• Quantum Evenings, where informal scientific discussions take place in the Irchel Bar, inspired by initiatives such as Pint of Science, and which fulfill a community-building goal.

Further information on all events taking place as part of «Quantum25 - International Year of Quantum Science and Technology» can be found here.

The findings of the fifth Strategy Lab will be summarized in a position paper, addressing possible impacts and development scenarios for quantum technologies, as well as legal and ethical consequences of these scenarios. The information will be made available as the basis for further discussions on the topic in academia and media.
 

The Scientific Committee for the fifth Strategy Lab consists of:

• Prof. Dr. Titus Neupert, UZH/DSI (Physics)
• PD Dr. Markus Christen, UZH/DSI (Ethics)
• Dr. Lídia del Rio, UZH (Physics)
• Dr. Nuriya Nurgalieva, UZH/DSI (Physics, content and admin support)