Saturday, June  28, 2025

(Session 2) Invited Talk: Bruna Shinohara de Mendonça (CMC Microsystems, Sherbrooke, QC J1K1B8, Canada)

Quantum on the flipside - a Global South perspective on quantum hype

Bruna Shinohara de Mendonça

CMC Microsystems, Sherbrooke, QC J1K1B8, Canada

In this talk, I will discuss the concept of “quantum hype” from a Global South perspective, with two special focuses. Firstly, how the hype in quantum technologies is tied to the hype in quantum science as a whole and, in some situations, may reinforce pseudosciences based on quantum mysticism. Secondly, I will comment on language barriers faced by science communication in the field and the impact of poor communication in non-English speaking countries on deepening the gap in quantum-readiness among Global North and South. Finally, I will argue why solutions for the quantum divide should be discussed globally and comment on possible directions to bridge the gap.