In celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology we took a deep dive into the wonderful world of Quantum. Nearly 7000 students from across the UK took part in STEM with Wings: What’s next for Quantum? a Big Ideas programme funded by RAF Youth and STEM.
The expert panel was made up of special guests Dr Jessica Wade, a research fellow and lecturer at Imperial, and PhD students Shey Lovett and Felix Burt who are both researching quantum at Imperial. With a wealth of experience between them, the panel shared their passion for quantum with the students and inspired them to learn more about this often mysterious field.
“The reason why quantum is exciting is the same reason why it is very very hard. There’s so much that isn’t known.”
“This area of science is so exciting you never want to stop working on it.”
These dynamic, interactive events introduced all things quantum, from the history and development of quantum physics, to an introduction to complex quantum theories including entanglement and superposition. Students participated in interactive quizzes, challenges and a live Q&A with our special guests hearing from specialists in the field of quantum technology.
Jess and her colleagues shared their work in quantum and working at Imperial’s QuEST, Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology, and the exciting possibilities ahead in the world of Quantum:
“Right now we are trying to create a quantum computer. A quantum computer would be orders of magnitude more powerful than our best computer on the planet.”
Quantum is used around the globe, and the race to create the first quantum computer is ongoing. Jess, Shey and Felix explained how there will be a lot of opportunities in the field of quantum to work with cutting edge technology. Young people with a passion for technology, physics and all things STEM should consider quantum as an exciting career prospect.
“Keep your curiosity! Quantum Science needs people with new ideas. We don’t know what the technology is going to do so we need really creative and imaginative ideas – I hope there are people like that on this call!”
A huge thank you to Dr Jess Wade, Felix Burt and Shey Lovette from Imperial. STEM with Wings is a rolling termly programme free to participating schools thanks to the RAF Youth STEM Team.
To find out about the next events, please sign up here.