IQN Hub Outreach Event – Quantum Shorts

To celebrate the United Nation’s “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology”, the IQN Hub recently hosted an outreach event at Heriot-Watt University. The Hub welcomed 67 high school pupils from six schools across Scotland’s Central Belt, including two from Glasgow, for an event exploring quantum science, creativity, and future career pathways. 

The event featured a screening of “Quantum Shorts” – winning entries from a global short-film competition led by the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore. These films introduced pupils to quantum science in a creative and accessible way. 

During the afternoon, pupils also heard from IQN Hub’s Professor Alessandro Fedrizzi and PhD student Kiki Dekkers about the exciting advances being made in quantum science, as well as what life is like as a university researcher. The session sparked lively questions and thoughtful discussion from the audience. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm and curiosity for science from these young people.  

The Hub collaborated with Heriot-Watt University’s Outreach team to deliver this event, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to further develop the IQN Hub’s outreach programme. Widening participation in quantum science is critical so that we can inspire the next generation of quantum scientists.