16th of September Future Dialogues: Quantum Science and the Future of Quantum Technologies
A UNESCO Futures Dialogue on the future of quantum technologies: education, ethics and global scientific cooperation. 16 September 2026, on Zoom.
On 16 September 2026 UNESCO holds the online seminar "Quantum Science and the Future of Quantum Technologies" as part of its Future Dialogues series. One year after the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025), it brings together quantum scientists, ethics experts, educators and policymakers to reflect on the transformative potential of quantum technologies and their implications for education, ethics and governance. The dialogue addresses three thematic priorities: bridging the quantum knowledge gap and strengthening research infrastructure in the Global South, operationalising the recommendations of the COMEST Report on the Ethics of Quantum Computing, and advancing open science and global scientific cooperation. The seminar forms part of UNESCO's Global Quantum Initiative (GQI, 2026–2028). Participants will evaluate possible future trajectories of quantum technologies, assess their implications, and consider collaborative research agendas. The Russian Federation is represented on the panel by Alexander Sokolov, Deputy Director of the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, Director of the HSE Foresight Centre and UNESCO Chair on Future Studies, HSE University. His participation continues the engagement of UNESCO Chairs of the Russian Federation in UNESCO's agenda on digital and frontier technologies, and the Chair's foresight methodology speaks directly to the horizon-scanning purpose of the Futures Dialogues series. He is joined by Malik Maaza (iThemba LABS and UNESCO Chair on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of South Africa), Matthias Kettemann (University of Innsbruck, Vice-Chair of COMEST) and Reena Dayal (Quantum Ecosystems and Technology Council of India). The session is moderated by Amal Kasry, Chief of Basic Sciences, Engineering, Technology and Innovation, Sciences Sector, UNESCO. Opening remarks by Shaofeng Hu, Director of the Division of Science Policy and Basic Sciences; closing remarks by Keith Holmes, Research Coordinator/UNITWIN, Future of Learning and Innovation Division. Working languages: English and French. Register: https://unesco-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Wc5Cz9ALRSK03T6Ke9_rGQ#/registration
Main topics:
- Quantum technologies
- Ethics of science and technology
- Events