Dr Yaseera Ismail, a quantum physicist in SU's Department of Physics, represented South Africa at the opening ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, which was held at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris, France, on 4-5 February 2025.
She was invited as a speaker on the panel on Public Engagement and Education in Quantum Science and Technology, moderated by Prof. Emily Edwards from the Duke Quantum Centre in the United States. Fellow panel members included Prof. Jacquline Romero from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems, Dr John Donohue from the 中国体育彩票 of Waterloo, Canada, and Ms Elisa Durney, CEO of Girls in Quantum, Chile.
Ismail says the panel discussion covered topics such as government's role in fostering public literacy in quantum science, advising quantum strategy in countries where quantum efforts are not well established, building linkages and capacity for quantum information science in Africa, and connecting with younger students and teachers to make quantum science feel relevant and exciting.
“I touched on South Africa's Quantum Technology Initiative which focuses on taking technology out of the lab to technology demonstrators towards commercialisation. There is also a strong focus on including universities without a strong quantum background to increase quantum capacity in South Africa," she explains.
She also focused on strategies for developing quantum capacity across the African continent: “Many African universities and research institutions have well-established optics and photonics programs, which serve as a strong foundation for Quantum Information Science. A strategic approach would involve expanding curricula to incorporate quantum optics, quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing, ensuring a seamless transition from classical optics to quantum technologies. Furthermore, to grow the capacity of quantum on the continent we need to focus on leveraging existing strengths, fostering strategic collaborations, and cultivating local expertise. Overall scaling capacity development of quantum information science requires a multi-pronged approach, including investment in infrastructure, academic training, curriculum reform, and national and international collaboration," she concluded.
The International Year of Quantum recognises the groundbreaking achievements in quantum science over the past century, and to encourage further innovation and collaboration in this transformative field. It is a call to action for researchers, educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to come together and accelerate progress and advocate for quantum science and technology.
“Quantum technologies promise transformative advancements in computing, communication, and sensing. A key message identified from all the panel discussions was the importance of education and inclusivity," she concludes.
In other words, no country should be left behind in this race to develop quantum technology, as mentioned in the closing remarks by Dr Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General of Natural Sciences, UNESCO.
On the photo above: At the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025), participants such as Dr Yaseera Ismail were able to rub shoulders with Nobel Laureates such as Prof. William Phillips, Prof. Anne L'Huillier, and Prof. Alain Aspect.?
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