quantum computing is more efficient.”

A Ramón y Cajal researcher on the Barcelona Supercomputing Center – National Supercomputing Center (BSC), she coordinates the Quantum Spain undertaking, an initiative to advertise the quantum computing ecosystem on the nationwide stage, which goals to function a quantum laptop on the BSC-CNS. Furthermore, this yr she is one of many curators of the fourth edition of the City and Science Biennial, which is able to happen between November 18 and 23, and which revolves round quantum physics.

Why does the Biennial have quantum physics as its central theme?

— In 2025 we’re celebrating the International Year of Quantum Physics and Technologies, as a result of it marks 100 years because the foundations of this idea had been laid, which It has allowed us to have almost all the technology we have today.The first revolution gave rise to semiconductors, electronics, lasers, and magnetic resonance imaging. Now we have now simply entered the second revolution, which is based mostly on with the ability to rework and manipulate info with atoms, or with quantum circuits.

What will it permit?

— For instance, more safe communications, quantum computing, and ultra-precise quantum sensors. The quantum laptop I work with, when it started its improvement, aimed to higher perceive the quantum world. It was fundamental science. But, after all, the quantum world describes chemistry, supplies science, mild, and radiation. If we perceive chemistry very effectively, we will make higher medicine. If we perceive supplies science very effectively, we will develop the supplies of the long run. And many different issues we will not even think about but. The first common computer systems had been constructed to ship humanity to the moon, and at the moment, no one thought of another functions. And now, nevertheless, all of us carry one in our pockets. During the Biennial, we are going to speak concerning the expertise of the long run and its functions in society.

But quantum mechanics is scary as a result of it isn’t understood.

— That’s why we need to deliver it nearer to everybody and present that it is a lot more commonplace than we predict, that we should not be afraid of it however somewhat take a look at it with eyes that need to perceive how the world and the Universe work.

In addition to more informative matters about this department of physics, the Biennial will tackle points such because the significance of technological sovereignty, the geopolitical facet of quantum physics, and its dangers.

— All science that in the end results in expertise has a political and strategic dimension, and as scientists, we should think about this and consider the totally different functions for which our developments might be used. For instance, a sufficiently subtle quantum laptop can break all present cryptography. Depending on who builds it or who possesses it, this might pose a big danger. That’s why it is essential that at the least one such laptop be in public palms, to safeguard the pursuits of society. And that or not it’s developed right here.

And carried out right here.

— In Europe we have now realized the lesson with chips, which at one time had been manufactured in Europe, they stopped making them and now we’re 100% depending on different powers like China, and we don’t rely on ourselves.

Now we’re catching up once more with the chip trade, with projects such as PIXEurope.

— Yes, however it would take a few years and large investments. With quantum applied sciences, we nonetheless have time. In Europe, we have now plenty of expertise and lots of startups able to creating them.

Can Catalonia be a frontrunner in Europe in quantum applied sciences?

— We have all the suitable components to be one. We have glorious analysis facilities, such because the BSC, IFAE, ICFO, and ICN2; initiatives just like the Quantum Valley; a wealth of expertise, and spin-offs and start-ups Very highly effective ones, equivalent to Lux Quanta and Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech. ICFO is one of the highly effective establishments in Europe and the world in quantum computing. The BSC, with 4,000 researchers, is probably the greatest supercomputing and analysis facilities in Europe. And throughout the BSC, we are actually investing closely in quantum computing.

In truth, a number of months in the past the BSC launched the Mare Nostrum Ona, the first state-owned quantum computer made with 100% European technology..

— There are different quantum computer systems in Spain, equivalent to in Galicia, and one other is being put in within the Basque Country, however we’re the one ones with completely European expertise and powerful involvement from the nation’s enterprise sector. Actually, there are two quantum computer systems: one a part of the Quantum Spain undertaking and one other that is among the many first within the European EuroHPC community. Both are elements of the MareNostrum supercomputer, which is devoted to quantum computing. It is a completed product that researchers on the BSC will be capable of use and that might be managed from a laptop computer.

The Global Carbon Budget 2025 report, revealed this week by the worldwide consortium Global Carbon Projecte, headed by Pep Canadell from Catalonia, warned that world CO₂ emissions proceed to rise. Will the quantum laptop assist?

— A supercomputer consumes as a lot power per hour because the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed prepare. Incredible! In truth, essentially the most superior machines are being put in subsequent to nuclear energy vegetation to make sure adequate power provide. This is unsustainable, and we should discover various computing fashions. In this regard, quantum computing is an possibility as a result of, because it’s designed, it should not eat almost as a lot power as typical computing. Quantum computer systems are extremely environment friendly, and whether or not the chip has 5 qubits or 500, the power consumption is nearly the identical, not like a standard laptop, the place greater energy consumption means greater power use. This does not imply it is a inexperienced expertise or that it’s going to result in power effectivity, however it would not generate almost as many emissions as conventional computing.

At the Biennial, she presents the Women for Quantum manifesto.

— This is the work of famend feminine scientists on this discipline who’ve analyzed the state of affairs of feminine researchers in quantum physics and suggest a collection of measures that transcend merely growing the visibility of ladies at conferences. These measures are concrete proposals that funding our bodies can undertake to make sure that feminine scientists should not left behind and have entry to the identical amenities and sources as their male colleagues. It is true that the quantum physics growth is latest and, subsequently, nonetheless a really younger discipline. And that is why there is higher consciousness throughout the scientific group: the ladies who’ve led this revolution have been acknowledged and are well-known. The drawback is that only a few have made it, myself included. Few of us full undergraduate levels, even fewer pursue doctorates, and much fewer nonetheless resolve to proceed in analysis. And, clearly, this is not an issue particular to the sphere, however a societal one.