Quantum sensing for water quality: EQTA workshop

On May 29, 2024, a workshop on the responsible application of quantum sensing in measuring water quality took place at Water Company Evides, together with experts from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, TNO and the Center for Quantum and Society. The report of this meeting is now available online.

Highlights of the workshop:

1.      Effects and Values: Participants identified the positive and negative effects of the technology, as well as the underlying values. These formed the basis for defining requirements for future technology and its application context.

2.      It was emphasized that the desired application will not automatically reach the market. Collaboration between stakeholders, scientists, and market players is crucial to developing a Minimal Viable Product.

3.      Evides' Needs: For Evides it is essential that the sensors are continuous, fast, accurate and cost-effective. Flexibility is key, given the changing measurement needs due to incidents or calamities.

4.      Sustainability and Data: The environmental impact of the measuring instruments must be considered in advance and which data are really necessary for better decision-making.

5.      EQTA Methodology: The workshop used the 'Guidance Ethics Approach', part of the EQTA (Exploratory Quantum Technology Assessment) developed by the Center for Quantum and Society.

This workshop illustrates how we can connect science and society to apply quantum technology responsibly and tackle societal challenges.

Interested in the full report? You can read it and download it here.

The workshop, based on the methodology of the EQTA (Exploratory Quantum Technology Assessment) developed by the Center for Quantum and Society (Quantum Delta NL), contributes to a future in which we can respond faster and more efficiently to challenges in water quality. Not only because these innovations actually improve our drinking water supply, but also because research into quantum technology and the needs of society are more closely linked through such collaboration. It is precisely in this phase that it is important to develop initiatives to realize the ethical/legal, social, technical and organizational preconditions necessary to use these future innovations responsibly, optimally and as quickly as possible.