15 Dec 2023

The National Quantum Computing Centre announces the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum with techUK as industry co-chair

techUK will be the industry co-chair of the new Responsible Quantum Industry Forum launched by the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)

Quantum technologies, whether across computing, sensing, or communications, have the potential for transformative impacts to our economy and society. As these technologies become more widely adopted in the UK and beyond, it is critical that they are developed and used responsibly. A responsible innovation approach to quantum technologies involves communicating with society about what quantum may mean, taking society’s needs and views into account, and considering questions around equity, governance, and ethics, from the outset.

While many organisations are keen to put responsible quantum into action, it may be challenging to know where to start. As such, this forum will co-develop and embed shared principles for responsible quantum technologies, and support organisations in operationalising them. The aim is for the Forum to meet quarterly, with an initial in-person meeting in 2024, and subsequent virtual meetings.

The importance of responsible innovation practices is emphasised by the strong focus it is given within the UK’s National Quantum Strategy. techUK has long championed for the responsible development of quantum technologies, with this being one of the five key priority areas within our own Quantum Commercialisation Report

There are two key opportunities at the beginning of 2024:

15th January – Webinar briefing of the Responsible Innovation Industry Forum – your opportunity to learn more about the forum

29th January – The first in person meeting of the forum at the techUK office

You can register your interest for these events and the forum here

Laura Foster

Head of Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Head of Programme for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster

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Rory Daniels

Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

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Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on AI, Semiconductors and Digital ID.

He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.

Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elis-thomas-49a1aa1a1/

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The National Quantum Computing Centre announces the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum with techUK as industry co-chair