Innsbruck Quantum Ethics Lab
University of Innsbruck adds ethics think tank to award-winning quantum physics program
Innsbruck is a leading center in the development of new quantum technologies. In order to understand the processes of societal change triggered by these technologies and to be able to develop corresponding ethics frameworks, the University of Innsbruck is founding today the Innsbruck Quantum Ethics Lab (IQEL), in which experts from various disciplines will work together.
The innovation potential associated with quantum technologies can trigger processes of social change. For this reason, new technical developments must always be scrutinized for their effects on people and society and founded on ethics. At the same time, the freedom to innovate must be preserved.
© Dominik Pfeifer
"The Department of Theoretical and Experimental Physics and the Austrian Academy of Science’s Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information together form a world-renowned center for developing the foundations for future quantum technologies. The establishment of IQEL to study societal aspects of these technologies is a logical next step and will sustainably strengthen the unique position of the University of Innsbruck in this field."
Prof. Dr. Tilmann Märk, Rector of the University of Innsbruck
"The innovation potential associated with quantum technologies can trigger processes of social change. For this reason, new technical developments must always be scrutinized for their effects on people and society and founded on ethics. At the same time, the freedom to innovate must be preserved. "In this area of tension, the Innsbruck Quantum Ethics Lab (aims to create added value for society."
Prof. Dr. Matthias C. Kettemann, IQEL director and head of the Department of Legal Theory and Future of Law
"Technological developments can never be considered on their own, but are embedded in social relations. It is therefore very important to examine such developments from a cultural and social science perspective."
Prof.in Dr.in Gundula Ludwig, Director of the Center Interdisciplinary Gender Research Innsbruck (CGI)
"Now is the time to work on ethical and legal issues of quantum technologies, to build networks and, most importantly, to add an ethical perspective to the University of Innsbruck's recognized scientific strength in quantum physics."
Prof. Dr. Gregor Weihs, head of the Department of Experimental Physics
Contact
IQEL - Innsbruck Quantum Ethics Lab
at the Digital Science Center (DiSC)
University of Innsbruck
Innrain 15, 6020 Innsbruck
Director: Prof. Dr. Matthias C. Kettemann, LL.M. (Harvard)
M: +43 676 378 76 25
E: matthias.kettemann@uibk.ac.at