Explore today how quantum will impact tomorrow
About the Lab
In the rapidly advancing world of technology, second-generation quantum technologies are poised to revolutionize our understanding of what's possible.
The Quantum Social Lab (QSL) was established in 2022 in response to a growing recognition: the transformative potential of quantum technologies cannot be understood - or governed - through technical progress alone. While quantum research and development accelerates globally, their societal, ethical, legal, and political implications remain insufficiently addressed.
Quantum technologies are no longer speculative. Second-generation quantum systems are moving rapidly toward deployment, with profound implications for security, finance, medicine, governance, and human decision-making. We are an interdisciplinary space dedicated to addressing the societal, ethical, and policy dimensions of quantum technologies.
How we work
We operate as an interdisciplinary space that treats technical, social, and cultural perspectives equally. While some angles are often overlooked in discussions of science and innovation, we believe that a holistic approach to quantum technologies requires the full spectrum of human creativity and expression.
What we do
Our research focuses on developing and testing new governance frameworks and mechanisms to anticipate challenges before they arise. Some of the areas in which we operate include:
- Building on the ELSPI framework and its core principles to examine existing and emerging policies across sectors to identify opportunities and risks.
- Forward-looking themes, such as the relationship between quantum technologies and consciousness.
- Regulatory and energy implications of quantum systems as well as their geopolitical impact on financial markets.
Quantworld
Our flagship project “QuantWorld - Science, Art & Methods for future living environments” explores how second-generation quantum technologies may shape key sectors such as medicine, banking, and mobility. Placing citizens at the center, the project takes a human-centered approach to building trust in QTs and making them tangible. The project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Research, Space and Technology with 1.9 million euros.
Artistic Interventions
Artistic interventions bring a unique perspective to the abstract world of quantum technologies.
One of the Quantum Social Lab's unique lines of exploration is its sustained engagement with the arts. From the outset, we have treated artistic interventions not as peripheral but as integral to our research, education, and community-building. While the arts are often overlooked in discussions of science and innovation, we believe a holistic approach to quantum technologies requires the full spectrum of human creativity and expression.
We use artistic interventions to make the abstract concepts of quantum technologies more tangible and accessible. Artists-in-residence are invited to the QSL at TUM to work with citizens and students to create innovative artworks. The goal is to translate abstract content into tangible experiences, promoting engagement and understanding
Artists-in-residence
To me, art can act as a mediator and translator of complex technological concepts into comprehensible, engaging experiences that can be more easily digested by both individuals and the society as a whole. [...]
Patrik Hübner
Creative Director | Creative Technologist
[...] Second generation quantum technologies are extremely interesting to me because of the state of “fragile coherence” they depend on, and the transformative potential that can ensue from such seeming fragility.
Anne Kristin Kristiansen
Visual artist
[...] I am deeply fascinated by the concepts underlying the quantum world, and I also believe that a better and more profound understanding of this technology will aid humanity in comprehending the origins of our species and ourselves. However, we must be mindful to "curate" how society utilizes this powerful tool. [...]
Solimán López
Media Artist | Researcher | Founder and director of the I+D+i Department in ESAT
That space between technology and the user is one of the most exciting and daunting places to be. Do you approach it with a tech mindset, or do you approach it with a end-users mindset?
I feel the arts have always allowed us to bridge this gap.
Benjamin Nott
Architect | Co-Founder Blanco Architecture & Design and BlancoLAB
Education
The Quantum Social Lab offers a wide range of educational programs. Our university courses are designed to foster an interdisciplinary understanding of quantum technologies, with a focus on Quantum Governance.
Our curriculum also explores the intersection of art and quantum technologies, often taught in collaboration with our artists-in-residence.
The Young Quantum Social Scientists
To specifically foster interdisciplinarity, our most promising students can apply for the Young Quantum Social Scientists (YQSS) scholarship. This program promotes cross-disciplinary education, skills and research training, and challenge-based problem solving.
Outreach and Events
From academic symposia to science slams, the Quantum Social Lab brings research to life through diverse and engaging events. Key events include not only our own events, but also those of our partners, where we co-create spaces, workshops, and rooms for engagement.
The QSL hosted a first open academic conference, together with the Arizona State and Yale University, where more than 40 researchers presented their ongoing work.
Together with our partner Matter Inc. we created a Quantum Cipher Graden - a 20-square-meter presentation of Quantum Encryption.
Urs Gasser and Constanze Albrecht represented the common project collaboration “Building Global Capacity for Responsible Quantum Technologies.”
The Young Quantum Social Scientists presented a Quantum Medical Wonderland, a 50-square-meter installation in Abu Dhabi showcasing their work on the future of medicine. The event featured keynotes from Urs Gasser and Fabienne Marco, complementing the students' own presentations and highlighting the Quantum Social Lab's interdisciplinary research for a global audience.
The QSL and its partners hosted a two-day International Quantum Forum in Munich. It brought together academic discussions, a Science Slam, and a grand finale — the Quantum Arts Gala at the HP8, creating a unique space for interdisciplinary engagement.
How to get engaged
There are multiple entry points to engage with the Quantum Social Lab.
- Sign up for our modules.
- Apply to the Young Quantum Social Scientists program.
- Attend any of our public events.
- Contact us for any other collaborations on research, policy or artistic projects.
