Adrian Schmidt
Quantum Futures – Designing the Futures of Quantum Technologies
Seminar, English, 2 SWS, 2 ECTS
Tuesdays, 17-21 h, bi-weekly, 7 dates: 14.4., 28.4., 12.5., 26.5., 9.6., 23.6., 7.7.2026, Hardenbergstr. 33, room 004

Registration on Moodle starts on 9.4.2026:https://moodle.udk-berlin.de/moodle/course/view.php?id=3038
Enrolment Key: quantum

The course focuses on the rapidly unfolding technological revolution of quantum technologies, particularly quantum computing, which is attracting global attention. The first social impacts are already becoming apparent, including potential risks to existing IT security and new opportunities in medicine, chemistry, and materials research. At the same time, the future of these technologies is still uncertain. Many applications currently exist only as prototypes, and development paths remain malleable. Unlike other key technologies, these can also be influenced from Germany and Europe. This relatively young field opens up a space for creativity in which artistic perspectives can play a special role. Berlin is an important location for an emerging quantum art movement from which quantum futures can be actively conceived and shaped.

Against this backdrop, the course invites participants to explore quantum futures from artistic and interdisciplinary perspectives. The course provides a non-mathematical, accessible introduction to key phenomena in quantum physics and fundamental concepts in quantum technologies and computing. This is supplemented by an overview of current development trajectories in quantum technologies and existing positions in quantum art. In several practical units, participants will create their own initial works with support from external partners, particularly from DESY’s QC-Paint collective. Activities will include sonifying quantum data, participating in hands-on sessions on quantum computing in the visual arts, and working with initial prototypes of quantum art tools. The results will be presented and, if appropriate, incorporated into later exhibitions or workshops.

Throughout the seminar, participants will gain insight into quantum technologies, their current developments, and their potential societal impact. Participants will learn about individual technology assessment concepts and gain practical experience in artistic, quantum-related programming. The outcome will be their artistic contribution to a potential quantum future, situated between conceptual-essayistic works and quantum computer-aesthetic experiments.

Fulfilment criteria for ungraded accreditation: Regular, active participation in the seminar; creation of a quantum future in the form of a short essay or an artistic representation, e.g., as a quantum artwork.

Adrian Schmidt is a physicist and researcher at the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). In his work on technology assessment, he focuses on the development of quantum technologies and their social impact. Specifically, he examines the role of artistic work in influencing visions of the technological future and explores alternative, socially acceptable "quantum futures." Recently, Schmidt co-organized a workshop titled "Quantum Computing and Art: How and Why" with DESY and the Berlin University of the Arts. The workshop brought researchers and artists together in Berlin to further develop current approaches to quantum art.