Quantum at a Music Festival: the Impact of an Exhibit about Quantum Science and Technologies on Festival Visitors

TL;DR

This study evaluated how a quantum science exhibit at a music festival affected visitors' knowledge and interest, revealing increased understanding but decreased interest, highlighting challenges in informal science outreach.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence on the impact of quantum technology outreach in informal settings and emphasizes the importance of maintaining engagement and relevance.

Findings

Subjective knowledge increased after the exhibit

Interest in quantum technologies decreased post-visit

Exhibits are effective outreach tools in informal environments

Abstract

Quantum technologies are seen as transformative, with a potential to revolutionize fields like drug discovery and machine learning. Public engagement is crucial to align these developments with societal needs and foster acceptance. This study measured the impact of an exhibit about quantum technologies at the 2024 Lowlands music festival (n = 812). Pre- and post-surveys assessed changes in attitude, concern, interest and subjective knowledge. Results showed an increase in subjective knowledge but a decrease in interest, possibly due to reduced novelty or increased perceived difficulty. These findings underscore the effectiveness of exhibits as outreach tools in informal settings and highlight the critical role of maintaining novelty and emphasizing the relevance of quantum technologies in future outreach efforts. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of assessing outreach effectiveness to ensure that objectives are successfully achieved.