"Quantum Is Not Difficult"... UNIST Hosts Public Lecture on Quantum Computing

The year 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of quantum mechanics. The United Nations has designated this year as the "International Year of Quantum Science and Technology."

A public lecture on "The Present and Future of Quantum Computing" is being held at the UNIST Auditorium. Photo by UNIST

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As the importance of quantum science is being highlighted worldwide, a special event was also held in Ulsan.

On August 6, UNIST (President Park Jongrae) hosted a public lecture titled "The Present and Future of Quantum Computing" at the university's main auditorium.

Eunmi Chae, a renowned expert in the field of quantum computing and a professor at Korea University, took the stage. She is a physicist widely known not only in the scientific community but also through media appearances and public lectures.

Professor Eunmi Chae of Korea University is delivering a public lecture on "The Present and Future of Quantum Computing." Provided by UNIST

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The event drew a full house, with more than 180 attendees including Ulsan citizens, middle and high school students, and members of the UNIST community.

Challenging the preconceived notion that "quantum is difficult," Professor Chae explained the principles of quantum computers and the various approaches to building them?including superconducting, ion, neutral atom, and photonic quantum computers?in an accessible manner.

She unraveled complex concepts such as quantum superposition, entanglement, and qubits using everyday language. Emphasizing that "quantum computers are tools that make infinite simultaneous calculations possible," she also introduced the latest research trends, future prospects, and the global race for technological advancement.

During the Q&A session, an attendee asked, "What will happen to cybersecurity if quantum computers break existing encryption?" In response, Professor Chae explained that "current encryption systems could collapse," and added that this is why research is underway to develop encryption methods based on quantum principles, as well as quantum-resistant cryptography that is difficult to break even with quantum computers.

Attendees expressed interest in the close connection between quantum science and everyday life. A UNIST official commented, "We hope this lecture has helped local youth recognize the importance of quantum science and technology," and added, "We wish for them to nurture their dreams of becoming future leaders in the quantum era."

This lecture was co-hosted by the UNIST Department of Physics, the Quantum NanoFab at the Research Support Headquarters, the Quantum Sensing Convergence Research Center (ITRC), and the Ulsan Institute, with support from the "Quantum Process Development Infrastructure Construction" project.

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