Quantum Futures
Monday 2nd November 2026, 18:00 - 19:30
BCS Moorgate, London
Who gets to shape a quantum future, and who benefits? This panel explores the social, political and cultural implications of quantum technologies, bringing together research, artistic practice and futures perspectives to discuss access, governance and responsibility. No technical knowledge is required. The event is part of Qiskit Fall Fest 2026.
About the Talk
Who gets to shape a quantum future, and who stands to benefit from it?
As quantum technologies develop, they raise questions that extend beyond their technical capabilities. Who determines how these technologies are developed and applied? What social, political and cultural implications might they have? And how can artists, researchers and wider communities participate in shaping their future?
This panel brings together perspectives from critical technology research, responsible innovation, artistic practice and futures research to examine the emerging quantum landscape.
The conversation will consider questions of access, governance, power and responsibility, alongside the role of art and speculative approaches in challenging dominant technological narratives and imagining alternative futures.
Rather than approaching quantum computing solely as a technical development, the session invites audiences to consider the wider systems, values and decisions that influence how emerging technologies are developed and adopted.
The discussion will be followed by audience questions.
Speakers
Dr Carolyn Ten Holter, Senior Researcher and Policy Lead, Responsible Technology Institute, University of Oxford.
Dr Wesley Goatley, Reader in Technology Futures and Critical Climate Computing, University of the Arts London.
Clara Astiocha, Foresight and Futures Researcher, Innobasque.
Panel Chair: Rod Dickinson, Artist, Curator and Senior Lecturer in Digital Media.
Who Can Attend?
Open to students, artists, researchers, technologists, policymakers and members of the public. No technical knowledge of quantum computing is required.