Quantum & Law Conference 2026
- Date
- Thursday 23 April 2026
- Time
- Location
-
Kamerlingh Onnes Building
Steenschuur 25
2311 ES Leiden - Room
- A.051 (Grotiuszaal)
How can quantum technology safely be introduced in society?
On 23 April 2026 we will discuss this question with various experts and stakeholders at Leiden Law School. Quantum technology is no longer the theoretical playing field of physicists and mathematicians. Applications are being developed for instance in health care, where quantum sensing can be used for ultraprecise imaging, and in finance to safeguard encryption used by banks. For general application, quantum computers are being built that promise unprecedented computational power that can become a powerful engine for other technologies, in particular AI. The European Union is already working on a quantum strategy, positioning Europe as a global leader in quantum research and technologies by 2030.
Law and policy can provide frameworks for unlocking the benefits of quantum technology as well as managing risks that may arise. Our conference will discuss how quantum can be used 'for the good' and how the law can manage risks. Confirmed speakers include Clare Shelley-Egan, Gerrit-Jan Zwenne, Ariana Torres Knoop (SURF), Anushka Mittal and Christian Schaffner.
Save the date and stay tuned for more information!
The conference is part of a KIEM grant project led by Julia Cramer and Vanessa Mak, with the participation of Melissa Hernandez, Woobiya Reeh and Marc Chine Aribau.
Keynote speakers
Clare Shelley-Egan is an Associate Professor in Ethics of Quantum Technologies at the Department of Values, Technology, and Innovation at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands. Her position is funded by the Centre for Quantum and Society within the Dutch quantum ecosystem, Quantum Delta NL. Her main research interest is in the responsible societal embedding of quantum technologies and on advancing interdisciplinary collaborations between natural scientists, engineers and social scientists. She has previously worked in responsible innovation research groups, primarily in Norway (Oslo Metropolitan University) and also in Denmark (Technical University of Denmark).
Gerrit-Jan Zwenne is professor of Law and Digital Technologies at Leiden University and professor of Data Protection in Dutch Legal Practice at the Open University of the Netherlands. He is also a practising lawyer (advocaat) focussing on data protection and privacy law, often advising clients in high profile cases. Chambers Europe describes him as 'one of the primary authorities in the area of data privacy in the Netherlands' who 'is not afraid to take a position … and come up with practical solutions.'
Programme
|
13.00-13.20 |
Opening by Dr. Julia Cramer |
| 13.20-14.00 |
Keynote speech Dr. Clare Shelley-Egan (TU Delft): 'Quantum for good: some early explorations' |
| 14.00-14.40 |
Keynote speech Prof. Gerrit-Jan Zwenne (Leiden University): 'Quantum Technology – risk management through law' |
| 14.40-15.00 | Short presentation by the Hackathon students |
| 15.00-15.30 | Break with coffee and tea |
| 15.30-16.45 |
Panel discussion (moderator: Melissa Hernandez Vinhas) Dr. Ariana Torres (SURF) |
| 16.45-17.00 | Closing by Prof. Vanessa Mak |
| 17.00 | Drinks reception |
