Building Quantum Futures: Sociotechnical Visions and Their Implications

Aarhus University Seal

Time

Monday 8 June 2026, from 08:45 until Tuesday 9 June 2026 at 16:30.

Location

Department of Mathematics, AArhus University, Auditorium D3 (1531-215).

Background and Aims

Quantum science and technology are widely presented as transformative, yet they often remain socially distant and opaque. Public narratives frequently frame quantum technologies as revolutionary or even “spooky,” while expert and policy discourses emphasize competitiveness, security, and disruption. These sociotechnical imaginaries shape expectations, governance, and innovation pathways—but can also narrow participation and ethical reflection.

This workshop brings together scholars from STS, history and philosophy of science, communication studies, and related fields to examine how quantum imaginaries operate across scientific, commercial, military, and public domains, and to explore how more inclusive and accountable visions of quantum futures might be articulated.

Programme (preliminary)

Monday, 8 June 2026

  • 08:45–09:00 Coffee and arrival
  • 09:00–09:15 Welcome and introduction – Workshop aims and structure
  • 09:15–10:15 Keynote Lecture 1: Fabienne Marco (Quantum Social Lab, TUM)
  • 10:15–10:45 Coffee break
  • 10:45–11:45 Thematic Session I(a): From Hype to Hegemony: How Quantum Futures Are Made Visible
    • Henry Bennie (UWE Bristol): Contesting the Quantum Future: Stakeholder Influence and Media Framing of Quantum Computing
    • Daisy Shearer (National Quantum Computing Centre): Uncovering public perceptions of quantum technology at a large-scale science event
    • Muhammad Unggul Karami (Leiden University): Engaging Quantum Futures: Expectations as a Bridge Between Science and Society
    • Daria Anttila (University of Jyväskylä): Finnish university students’ sociocultural perceptions of quantum physics
  • 11:45–12:00 Break
  • 12:00–12.45 Thematic Session I(b): From Hype to Hegemony: How Quantum Futures Are Made Visible
    • Wiebke Drews (Rudolfovo - Science and Technology Centre Novo Mesto): Who Leads and Who Follows in Quantum Futures? Agenda Leadership and the Convergence of Sociotechnical Imaginaries
    • Nina Fárová, Bartosz Hamarowski (University of Hradec Králové): Circuits of Quantum Hype: Expert and Media Imaginaries in Czech Technoscientific Discourse
    • Adrian Schmidt (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology): Artistic Quantum Futures: Engaging Cultural Stakeholders in Shaping Socially Desirable Futures for Quantum Technologies
  • 12:45–13:30 Lunch
  • 13:30–15:00 Exploratory Session: Identifying emerging themes and research priorities
    • Collecting perspectives, ideas, and priorities for future research directions
    • Identifying emerging themes, gaps, and interdisciplinary opportunities
  • 15:00–15:30 Coffee break
  • 15:30–16:30 Keynote Lecture 2: Marilù Chiofalo (University of Pisa)
  • 19:00–21:00 Workshop Dinner at Food Club Aarhus, Åboulevarden 30, 8000 Aarhus C, Danmark

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

  • 08:45–09:00 Coffee and arrival
  • 09:00–10:00 Keynote Lecture 3: Zeki Seskir (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)
  • 10:00–10:30 Coffee break
  • 10:30–11:15 Thematic Session II(a): Governing, Designing, and Intervening in Quantum Futures
    • Lorena Xiomara Gonzalez Acero (University of Padova): Anticipatory dynamics and the not-yet but almost-there technologies: editorial visions on quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography
    • Ralph Gutknecht, Anna Kirstgen (Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research): Design Fiction as a Bridge to Quantum Futures: Enabling Non-Expert Engagement Through Participatory Storytelling
    • Ailsa Robertson (University of Amsterdam): Trust, governance and security in the transition to quantum-safe systems
  • 11:15-11:30 Break
  • 11:30-12:15 Thematic Session II: Governing, Designing, and Intervening in Quantum Futures
    • Beth Kewell (Surrey Business School): Making Sense of Anticipatory Logics within the UK Quantum Science Base
    • Jelena Zelenovic, Edoardo Pena-Gonzalez, Leila Taghizadeh, Jaime Gómez García, Bart Preneel (Computer Security and Industrial Cryptography - COSIC, KU Leuven): From Quantum Threat Imaginaries to Governance Practice: Operationalising Post-Quantum Risk through Discovery and Exposure Registers
    • Stefano Calzati (Centre for Advanced Studies – Joint Research Centre): The Quantum Ecology as a “Wicked” Regulatory Issue: A Pharmakological Idea for Governing Quantum Information Technologies
  • 12:15–13:15 Lunch
  • 13:15–14:45: Synthesis Session: Consolidating themes and defining shared priorities
    • Integrating key themes, challenges, and research gaps identified in the exploratory session
    • Formulating shared priorities and outlining future directions for collaboration
  • 14:45–15:00 Coffee break
  • 15:00–16:00 Keynote Lecture 4: Michal Krelina (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute)
  • 16:00 Closing remarks and next steps

 

Organisers

  • Kristian Hvidtfelt Nielsen, Aarhus University
  • Julia Cramer, Leiden University
  • Esben Rohan Christensen, Accademia di Danimarca – The Danish Academy for Science and Art in Rome
  • Shaeema Zaman, Science Melting Pot
     

Venue

Department of Mathematics
Aarhus University
Building 1531, Auditorium D3 (room 215)
Ny Munkegade 118
DK-8000 Aarhus C
Denmark

Participation

A limited number of additional participants can still be accommodated; please enquire directly with Kristian Hvidtfelt Nielsen if you are interested.

Revised 13.05.2026
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Lars Madsen