Hype and trust in Q-technology

Abstract

Trust is a core value in science, trust in data, analysis, concepts, models. This is achieved in physics by open publishing, scientific discourse, testing, repeating experiments, asking critical questions and designing new tests. Fortunately science is self-correcting in the long term.

Hype includes predictions which sensationalise scientific discoveries and exaggerate the future impact. Increasing competition for funding, visibility or job security can make this more attractive. But it also erodes trust in science by the public and investors and has negative social effects on us the researchers. How can we balance them?

Short bio

Prof. Hans-Albert Bachor is Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University and independent consultant in the area of physics, science communication and science education. He works from his base near Canberra, Australia and is engaged in national and international activities.

Until 2011 he was the Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum-Atom Optics (ACQAO), a national centre to study atoms and light at the quantum level and to explore options for future quantum technologies. He was an ARC Federation Fellow 2003-2008.

He received his diploma and doctorate in Physics from the University of Hannover, Germany. He was attracted to Australia in 1981 by the Australian National University (ANU) where he has been teaching Physics at all levels with great enthusiasm and success. He held the position of Professor at ANU since 1995 and emeritus Professor since 2011.

Hans Bachor established experimental quantum optics in Australia and created a widely known group for optics and laser physics and explores the possibilities of harnessing the quantum nature of light. He has pioneered techniques for sensitive measurements beyond the quantum noise limit, for the improvement of optical sensors, interferometers, optical communication and data storage. He currently investigates the spatial quantum properties of laser beams.

Hans Bachor trained and mentored a large number of young scientists who now lead their own successful research teams around the world. He worked and is frequently invited to teach in the USA, Germany, France and Denmark. He has written the most widely used and cited textbook in experimental quantum optics.

He holds many academic awards and distinctions, including the Humboldt Research Prize (1999), Fellow of the Institute of Physics (UK) , the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) and the Optical Society of America, and is recipient of the AIP Walter Boas medal (2000), the AIP award for contributions to  Physics (2009), the IOP/AIP Harrie Massey Medal (2010) and the AOS Beattie Steel medal (2010).  He was awarded Membership in the Order of Australia (AM) on Australia day 2012, recognizing his achievements as researcher and educator.

He has a keen interest in education and the enhancement of science for the next generations. His main activity is as chairman of the National Youth Science Forum in Australia and as presenter of laser on the history, future and impact of laser and quantum technology.