Two research consortia in The Netherlands are set to receive a total of €2 million for research into the ethical, legal and social aspects of the impact that quantum technology will have on our society.
The funding comes from the societal impact of quantum technology programme of the Dutch National Science Agenda (NWA).
The two awarded projects focus on quantum computers. Quantum computers are intelligent and powerful computers. Computers that process information in a new way and can thus force major and important breakthroughs. Their development is in full swing. The responsibility to think about the impact on society at an early stage is part of that development. With the NWA programme Societal impact of quantum technology NWO is therefore stimulating research into the influences that this technology will have on our society. This call is co-funded by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.
High-quality security solutions for quantum computers
Quantum computers will offer great opportunities, but can also pose a threat if malicious parties use them to attack crucial information systems of our society, such as healthcare, energy supply or defence. In the FIQCS consortium, TU Eindhoven, TNO, CEN-CENELEC, PhotonDelta and Quantum Delta NL are joining forces with a number of international cooperation partners and eight companies. They will develop high-grade security solutions that are widely accepted and trusted by our society.
Quantum-safe cryptography
Due to the high risk, it is also necessary to prepare a transition to encryption that can withstand attacks by quantum computers. The second project awarded funding is from the QISS consortium. It is a collaboration between University of Amsterdam, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Rathenau Institute, Council for Public Administration, Leiden University, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), Ministry of Justice and Security (J&V), Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W), ECP | Platform for the Information Society, the Dutch Central Bank, ABN AMRO, Quantum Delta NL and a number of international partners. They will investigate the impact of this transition and thus contribute to a Dutch ecosystem for quantum-safe cryptography. They will also inform the general public and develop responsible innovation policy and regulations.
