Quantum Technology: Further thoughts for 2025.

Science can be spectacular, and I think an area to watch out for in 2025 is Quantum Science and Technology, particularly Quantum Computing.

Quantum Technology is relatively new. It has considerable potential to impact society and the future of sciences. Quantum Computing applies quantum concepts to information and its processing. There appears to be a race on in the field of computing – raising the question of how and when quantum technology will impact businesses.

This is a serious post about some serious science, but my purpose is just to give you the heads up for what may be to come and to stir your curiosity. Please note that on this particular subject I would defer to others more knowledgeable and experienced (some of whom are contacts of mine).

However, I have written about this subject generally a few times before. If you delve into this subject don’t worry if you find it challenging to understand – many of us do (indeed some experts do as well). A feeling of confusion sometimes shows you are learning and at least you are thinking about it.

My first post on this complex subject was in January 2021 ‘A Quantum Leap in my Learning’. It included some metaphors to aid understanding. I am repeating them again because I think they are still helpful in getting to grips with new ways of thinking which may be necessary.

‘Consider the challenge of finding your way out of a very complex maze or labyrinth. With a classical computer you can think of a stepwise process choosing Left or Right until you find the right path. However, with a quantum computer you can explore all paths at once – can be likened to flushing a bucket of water through the labyrinth.’ That explanation was an ‘aha moment’ for me! 💡

Elsewhere, I have heard that it is like ‘being able to read all the books in a library at once’. The speed and scope of this new technology viewed in this way becomes immediately more apparent to me.

Subsequently, during ESOF2022(EuroScience Open Forum) and beyond we were warned to beware the possible hype around this subject. I think this warning still applies. On the other hand, some possibilities which were deemed science fiction in the past may become reality.

On that note, I’ll finish by wishing you well in your exploration of this subject if it is new to you and I hope you found this helpful. Stay curious…

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 27/01/25

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See the following links referred to above.

A Quantum Leap to start 2022.

A quantum leap in my learning

5 things I learned about in 2022, and a quick recap from ESOF2022.

AI: Further thoughts for 2025.

Well, things have certainly moved on since I posted on this subject in January 2023!

It seems everything is accelerating, and it can be exhausting just trying to keep up.

There are many aspects to AI – the science, the tools, benefits, risks etc. Here are a few thoughts to start this new year.

The applications and potential applications in clinical and medical research such as diagnostics are laudable and impressive. Of course, this is just one area and there are many others in many different fields. AI can facilitate research and management of large amounts of data rapidly and efficiently.

Globally, AI is being taken very seriously. Nationally, the UK government’s investment news in January 2025 demonstrates how seriously the potential of AI is being taken. I recall that at the World EXPO 2020 (hosted by Dubai) the UK Pavilion seemed a bit understated in comparison with some other pavilions but in hindsight I think its focus on AI was ahead of its time.

The enthusiasm for AI is palpable everywhere and it is indeed exciting. However, information overload can be overwhelming with what seems like an ever-increasing pace of what we are told or led to believe is progress. With the dizzying rate of tech change and AI development I think it is a time for some reality checks.

Is AI ‘artificial intelligence’ or is ‘augmented computation’ a better term in most instances?

Is artificial intelligence ‘still mostly an illusion’ as some researchers suggest?

Where is all this heading?
What do we really want?
What do we really need?
What do we not want?

Certain adages should be borne in mind regarding i) content: rubbish in – rubbish out. ii) algorithms: bias in – bias out.

I think healthy scepticism can be a good thing and even some self-mocking at times can foster a healthy perspective.

Then there is the pressing need for balance between technical innovation, and ethical and moral responsibility.

Is all this noise around AI making us any happier? I doubt it.

There are many AI tools being developed and opinions on their value or usability differ. Just because you can use them doesn’t mean you necessarily should. There are still a lot of questions to ask. Take care not to get sucked into something or give away personal data unintentionally.

Beware of hype or jumping on a bandwagon for fear of missing out. We can’t even get some simple basic things right. AI is not the solution to every problem.

AI offers enormous potential benefits for individuals and society. However, AI regulation is an important factor under debate. Protection is needed against potentially harmful effects particularly for adolescents and children.

Watch out for some great summits, conferences, and debates this year which should include the perspectives of people everywhere and at every level.

AI is here and there is enormous potential to benefit humankind. I am curious. There is much to learn and better understand. Opinions may change. Communication, education, and clarifications will be necessary

I think we can have a positive attitude regarding benefits or potential benefits of AI whilst proceeding with caution and eyes wide open.

It’s an interesting time. Let’s see what 2025 brings…

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 20/1/25

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Previous post in January 2023 Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Time to lighten up.

Let’s lighten up for the festive season 🎅🤶🧑‍🎄🎄🌟. Starting with my message in a verse to bring a smile 😊.

CHRISTMAS CHEER AND FESTIVE HUGS ©

Hip hip hooray!
Christmas cheer.
It’s that time of year.
Again.

Dropping hints
Shopping stints
Less worry
More merry
Please.

Ding dong bell 🔔
Let all be well!
It’s jingle bells
And cinnamon smells.

Walking on eggshells
Tensions
Apprehensions.

Seasonal Greetings
Family meetings
Some travel afar
Some stay where they are.
Phew!

Fewer silly squabbles,
Wibbles and Wobbles.
Fewer family feuds.
We hope.

Less distance
Less insistence
Less being rude.
A chance to diffuse a family feud.

A chance to savour delightful food.
Savour the festive fervour.
Takes us one step further.
Festive mugs.
Hugs (sans bugs).

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©Julie Charlesworth, 2023

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A virtual hug in a verse and a couple of ‘mug shots’ (pun intended).

Festive Mug Shots 2023

Whether partying, shopping or working to deadlines always finding time for some fun.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 10/12/24

Common feelings in the run-up to the festive season.

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Hark – the festive season beckons!! However, not everyone will be feeling fully engaged with the festive spirit of the season. The run-up can be triggering sadness and thoughts of loved ones lost, past and present.

From a personal perspective I know that the loved ones I miss would wish to be fondly remembered and yet would also be willing us to have a fun festive time. However sad I may feel at times I don’t begrudge others having fun and I will also be rising to the spirit of special festive occasions.

People will feel all sorts of emotions for many different reasons, and we should be empathetic and respectful.

This year has dealt such cruel blows to many people. In the weeks ahead – let us be kind to everyone – in business as well as in life generally. You never know what someone is going through or what is happening in their lives. These sentiments are expressed my link to ‘Life’s Cruel Blows”.

As with many other people it is also a time when we miss loved ones, we lost many years ago. In my case my parents:

STAY WITH ME©

In a dream
You are here.
I can see, touch, and sense you.
I know it’s a dream
But just for now
Please stay with me a moment.

Life hurts.
I still miss you.

©Julie Charlesworth, 2022

It is time to have fun and be kind – this year has been particularly harsh.

To smiles, joy, and laughter even in difficult times.
‘Glad tidings of comfort and joy’.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 04/12/24

A no-brainer: seasonal changes.

From trees to leaves: some tell-tale signs of the seasons.

Fading Autumn leaves and news eason signs Holly

It is a no-brainer to simply enjoy the changing seasons and appreciate all that Nature can offer. It feels like a good time to get out and refresh ahead of the new season to come.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 30/11/24

Now for some Sci-Fi: ‘The Hive Mind’

For a change here is something I have written with a bit of a Sci-Fi theme:

THE HIVE MIND ©

There is a message
From the network
It is time to rope you in.

You are needed for the hive.
Why?
It is how we all survive.
But am I still alive?
Sort of…

All together now-
High five to the hive.

You are now connected to the hybrid Hive Mind.

©Julie Charlesworth, 2024

⛓️‍💥🧠⛓️

Through science fiction and verse we can explore possible futures using our imagination and with the power of the human mind.

Imagine this scenario – a bit quirky but makes you think 😉.

On a more serious note, the message is to be wary of possibilities or paths towards voluntary servitude.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 19/11/24

A quizzical thought expressed in verse: ‘Brain Mail’.

The brain is the most important organ I told myself. Then I realised where this was coming from – it was just a thought 😉. A quizzical thought I’ve expressed in verse:

BRAIN MAIL ©

I pause
And in a daydream
These words come to mind
Simple yet profound –
Take care of yourself
Especially your brain.

A notion
Calm midst commotion
Yet
Sardonic in tone
From one place alone?

Aha 💡
My brain!

Maybe self-serving
Slightly unnerving

Just a thought…
💭🗯️💬

©Julie Charlesworth, 2024

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Makes you think 🤔😉🧠.

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by Dr Julie Charlesworth 12/11/24

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