Q-Turn: Changing Paradigms In Quantum Science

TL;DR

Q-Turn is an initiative that promotes diversity, inclusion, and awareness of social issues within the quantum information community through conferences and discussions, aiming to improve scientific culture.

Contribution

This paper analyzes how Q-Turn serves as a model for fostering inclusivity and addressing systemic biases in the quantum science community.

Findings

Q-Turn successfully highlights underrepresented research and issues.

Conferences can influence cultural change in scientific communities.

Community initiatives can address systemic biases effectively.

Abstract

Quantum information is a rapidly-growing interdisciplinary field at the intersection of information science, computer science, mathematics, philosophy, and quantum science, working at the core of our quantum technologies. Regardless of its scientific success, quantum information is not exempt from the intrinsic features that come from the fact that scientists are humans and members of society: both the good and the bad of our social practices leak into the scientific activity. In our scientific community, diversity and equal opportunity problems are particularly difficult to observe due to social, economic, or cultural barriers, often remaining invisible. How can our lack of awareness negatively influence the progress of science in the long term? How can our community grow into a better version of itself? This article reflects on how research events - such as conferences - can contribute to a shift in our culture. This reflection draws on what we learn from Q-Turn: an initiative triggered by postdoctoral researchers to discuss these questions. One of Q-turn's main missions is to foster an inclusive community and highlight outstanding research that may be under-appreciated in other high-impact venues due to systemic biases. As well as a scientific program, Q-turn features talks and discussions on issues that affect the quantum information community, ranging from diversity and inclusion, health and mental health, to workers' rights. In this perspective article, we will consider Q-Turn as an example of how a research community can work to tackle systematic biases, review the successes, and identify further points for development.