Quantum Technology, Explained: A Big Brains Live Event
From Big Brains by University of Chicago Podcast Network
May 28, 2026 · 40 min · Episode 195
About this episode
The episode explores the current state and future potential of quantum technology through discussions with leading scientists.
Quantum technology is at a pivotal moment. No longer the faraway dream of scientists, the field is rapidly developing across the world, fueled by major investments from governments, industry, and universities racing to lead its promising future. But what exactly is quantum technology? And how will it affect our lives today—and in the coming decades? A recent event at the University of Chicago, hosted by Big Brains in partnership with 1440, sought to demystify quantum, separate the hype from reality and explore how it could transform our daily lives. Three renowned scientists—Prof. David Awschalom, Fred Chong and Nadya Mason—discussed how UChicago was leading innovative research, in partnership with its affiliated labs Argonne and Fermilab, as well as other universities across the Midwest. They explained how quantum has the potential to revolutionize our world—from creating unhackable communications to supercharging quantum computers to detecting disease at the cellular level. They discussed the challenges as well as the opportunities, especially for the next generation of quantum engineers and scientists needed to make these dreams a reality.
People in this episode
Host: Big Brains
Guests: Prof. David Awschalom, Fred Chong, Nadya Mason
Topics covered
- quantum technology
- scientific research
- future innovations
- education
- technology impact
Keywords
- quantum technology
- scientific research
- UChicago
- communication
- quantum computers
- disease detection
- engineering
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of Chicago, Argonne, Fermilab, 1440
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