CSIP Innovation Forum ~ Schrodinger’s Policy Agenda: Where Do Quantum Computers and other Futuristic Threats Belong?

Video Conference

The Centre for the Study of Science and Innovation Policy (CSIP) invites all students, faculty, researchers, and citizens interested in the study of science, technology and innovation policy to participate in a bi-weekly forum.

PRESENTED BY: Ryan Deschamps, Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Waterloo

Under uncertainty, policy problems find themselves in a “quantum state” where assessing risk requires the resolution of several hypothetical scenarios. Quantum cybersecurity is one such example. Scientists have already confirmed that a “supreme” quantum computer could easily undermine the cryptography that is widely used by most computer servers and the World Wide Web. If a malicious state or criminal actor could access such a computer, they could use it to compromise a nation’s critical infrastructure such as the energy grid or airport systems and cause injury or death to citizens. It is also possible that industry and other actors can over-respond and waste resources that can be applied to other concerns. This presentation will provide a layperson’s overview of the “Quantum threat” and other hypothetical cybersecurity scenarios, arguing that a policy design is the most effective approach to managing evidence-confirmed but uncertain policy concerns.

Ryan Deschamps is a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Waterloo with a background in cybersecurity, digital governance and information policy 

Event Details

When:
Time:
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM CST
Location:
Delivered by Zoom - Please register online and a link will be emailed to you.
File:
Download the event poster

Contact

Karen Jaster-Laforge

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