Envisioning the Quantum Future

Every year, ICTP scientists share their passion for science with the many participants of the Trieste Next science festival. On the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, proclaimed by the United Nations to mark the 100th anniversary of the theory's first formulation, the festival provided the perfect setting to highlight the importance of quantum science and reflect on how quantum technologies will impact our future.

Among the activities organised by ICTP for the festival was a panel discussion entitled Thinking About the Quantum Future: The Italian Strategy, intended to reflect on the importance of quantum science and technologies, providing a perspective for the future, and focusing on Italy's strategy. The speakers were three scientists at the forefront of current developments in the field: Francesco Saverio Cataliotti of CNR-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rosario Fazio, head of ICTP's Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics section, and Elisabetta Paladino of the University of Catania. The panel was moderated by science journalist Simona Regina.

In a room crowded with students, the speakers talked about the second quantum revolution, and the many fields that it will impact, ranging from communications and drug design, to quantum computing. “Many of these applications already exist. We already have computers of few hundreds of qubits, and many developments have been made on sensoring and communication,” explained Fazio, adding, “But it is hard to tell how close we are to a large-scale use of these technologies, because there are many factors that come into play, including economic ones.”

The panel also highlighted the importance of training new professional figures—especially engineers and technicians—to design the new quantum devices. “Despite relying on quantum mechanics, the mobile phones that we use every day are classical in their essence. We now need to train a new generation of professionals who are familiar with quantum mechanics and can design the tools of the second quantum revolution,” explained Cataliotti.

The panel also reflected on Italy’s recently adopted strategy on quantum science and technology. That strategy was preceded by the launch of a National Quantum Science and Technology Institute (NQSTI), a consortium of 20 Italian entities, including both research institutes such as ICTP, and high-tech industries. NQSTI was born as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan funded by the European Union. “These funds have been an important boost to research on quantum science and its applications over the past three years,” said Paladino, adding “However, more is needed to sustain these advancements on the long term.” 

Watch the full round table on the Trieste Next Youtube channel.

Photos of the round table can be found alongside photos of the ICTP booth at Trieste Next at this link.