The public discussion on quantum technologies attracted nearly 30 attendees

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, a public discussion took place at the Náprstek Museum, focusing on the counterintuitive nature of quantum reality and the ongoing revolution in quantum technologies. Nearly 30 attendees gathered with the opportunity to ask any questions they had to the panelists from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University and the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences: Jana Kalbáčová Vejpravová, Juraj Fedor, Zdeňka Koupilová, and Dominik Šafránek.

The discussion touched on fundamental concepts of quantum theory such as superposition, quantum entanglement, and quantum bits (qubits), as well as how quantum computers work, their applications, and current limitations. The panelists also revisited historical thought experiments like Schrödinger’s cat and Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, while examining the current state of quantum computing and its potential to compromise modern cryptography.

There was also discussion of recent research developments, Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, and the future prospects of quantum technologies. As part of the event, a series of illustrative demonstrations and examples were presented—similar to those used by young physics teachers—including a demonstration of superposition and an example of a qubit. Toward the end of the evening, visitors had the chance to observe a classic double-slit interference experiment.

The discussion was moderated by Michal Trčka and Jakub Martinka. The interactive event was organized by the AMULET project, the magazine Vesmír, and ACADEMIX revue.