Between Scylla and Charybdis: Navigating The Imagined Future Of Quantum Technologies For Healthcare
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2026-06-01
Author(s)
Abstract
While quantum sensors have been used in healthcare for a long time, new quantum technologies, such
as computing and communication, are promised to advance the field in different ways. With the
technologies still emerging, questions are being raised about their impact, who will benefit, and what
unintended consequences may arise. This study, therefore, explores how quantum researchers and
clinical physicians perceive the future of quantum technologies in healthcare using the concept of
vanguard visions. 27 semi-structured interviews uncovered four prominent perspectives, that offered
cautiously optimistic visions of the technologies’ feasibility. The vanguards highlight the importance of
effective science communication to mitigate hype, to pinpoint use cases where quantum provides real
benefits over classical systems, and to foster ecosystems that are driven by cross-disciplinary
collaboration to ensure more holistic developments. Stakeholders emphasize the wish for public
infrastructure and joint developments to avoid monopolies and guarantee fair access to healthcare.
as computing and communication, are promised to advance the field in different ways. With the
technologies still emerging, questions are being raised about their impact, who will benefit, and what
unintended consequences may arise. This study, therefore, explores how quantum researchers and
clinical physicians perceive the future of quantum technologies in healthcare using the concept of
vanguard visions. 27 semi-structured interviews uncovered four prominent perspectives, that offered
cautiously optimistic visions of the technologies’ feasibility. The vanguards highlight the importance of
effective science communication to mitigate hype, to pinpoint use cases where quantum provides real
benefits over classical systems, and to foster ecosystems that are driven by cross-disciplinary
collaboration to ensure more holistic developments. Stakeholders emphasize the wish for public
infrastructure and joint developments to avoid monopolies and guarantee fair access to healthcare.
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Subject(s)
Division(s)
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Name
Between Scylla and Charybdis_ Navigating The Imagined Future Of Q.pdf
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487.62 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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