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Who Gets to Build the Future of Quantum? - Bharat Pokhrel: Head of Skills, Training and Engagement at the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT)

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Imagine being fascinated by quantum technology, by the strange behaviour of particles, the possibilities of quantum computing, or the idea that new technologies could transform healthcare, navigation and communications, but looking around the room and rarely seeing anyone like you. Would you feel that this was a field where you belonged? This question matters as the UK builds its ambitions for quantum technology.

Quantum may sound like something distant or highly specialised, but its potential impact is becoming increasingly real. From more precise sensing and navigation to secure communications and new approaches to computing, quantum technologies could shape many aspects of our lives in the decades ahead. The UK wants to be at the forefront of that development. But achieving that ambition will require more than investment in research, infrastructure and technology. It will require people. Scientists, engineers, software developers, technicians, entrepreneurs and innovators will all play a part in turning quantum research into technologies that work outside the laboratory.

So, alongside asking what quantum technology can do, there is another question we should be asking: Who gets to build it and who sees a future in Quantum?

Quantum is still at its early stage and rapidly developing field. That gives us an unusual opportunity. We are not simply inheriting a fully established filed with a fixed culture and well-worn career paths. We are helping to shape what the quantum sector will look like for years to come. That means we have a chance to think carefully about who is able to participate, and who might be missing.

Like many science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, quantum does not yet fully reflect the diversity of the society it serves. Gender is one of the most visible examples. Women remain underrepresented in subjects that often lead into quantum careers, such as physics and electrical and electronic engineering, and representation falls further at senior career stages and across parts of industry. These patterns are not unique to quantum, but they matter because they influence who enters the field, who stays and ultimately who progresses into positions of influence and leadership.

They raise a much more personal question: If you rarely see people like yourself succeeding in a field, can you imagine yourself having a future there?

Visibility, Belonging and Progression

Since joining the quantum community last year, I have had the opportunity to engage with researchers, students, industry representatives, people working on equality, diversity and inclusion, and early career researchers from across the National Quantum Technologies Programme. These conversations have taken place in panel discussions, workshops, networking events and one-to-one meetings. While every experience is different, three themes repeatedly emerge: visibility, belonging and progression.

What strikes me is that these discussions rarely focus on capability. Instead, people talk about whether they can see a place for themselves in the sector, whether they encounter role models whose journeys feel relatable, and whether opportunities for development and leadership feel genuinely accessible.

Visibility matters because people are more likely to see a future in a field when they can see others like themselves succeeding within it. Belonging matters because people are more likely to stay when they feel valued, connected and supported. Progression is equally important because attracting diverse talent into quantum is only part of the challenge. People also need opportunities to develop skills, build networks and move into leadership positions.

Together, these factors help determine not only who enters quantum, but who remains and eventually helps shape its future.

Moving from Discussion to Action

Personally, I feel that these conversations are increasingly leading to action. Across the National Quantum Technologies Programme, all of the quantum hubs have developed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plans, and EDI leads are beginning to work more closely together to share learning, identify common challenges and explore collective approaches to improving inclusion across the sector. I think this is a very sensible approach because many of the challenges we face are not unique to a single institution, discipline or project.

Within QuSIT, our starting point was simple: listen first. When the Hub was established, we already had ambitions around EDI, but we also recognised that our priorities should be informed by the needs of our own community rather than assumptions. We therefore took steps to better understand the composition of the Hub and gather feedback that could help shape the evolution of our EDI Action Plan. Those insights are informing our programme of activity focussing on participation, progression and visibility.

This includes mentoring opportunities, support for accessibility and caring responsibilities, championing diverse role models, creating leadership opportunities for staff and early career researchers, and embedding inclusive practices across events, communications and governance. Alongside this, our Early Career Researcher Task Group is creating opportunities for early career researchers to contribute to discussions, shape activities across the Hub, build networks and gain valuable leadership experience at an early stage in their careers.

Looking Ahead

There is still a long way to go. Improving representation will require sustained effort across the entire pipeline, from schools and universities through to research organisations, businesses and leadership teams.

But I am optimistic. Across the quantum community, I see people asking difficult questions, sharing ideas and taking practical steps to create a more inclusive sector. Over the past year, one lesson has become increasingly clear to me: building a stronger quantum workforce is not simply about attracting more people into the sector. It is about creating an environment where people can see themselves, feel that they belong and have opportunities to progress.

If the UK wants to lead in the technologies of the future, we must continue asking who feels welcome building them. Because the challenge is not simply creating a larger quantum workforce. It is creating a quantum workforce that reflects the society it serves.