30 June 2025 to 4 July 2025
Leiden University, Gorlaeus building
Europe/Amsterdam timezone
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Quantum Party at Lowlands: The Impact of a Pop-Up Exhibit about Quantum Technologies

3 Jul 2025, 15:50
20m
Leiden University, Gorlaeus building

Leiden University, Gorlaeus building

Einsteinweg 55 2333 CC Leiden https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/locations/gorlaeus-building#tab-1
Oral presentation Informal and non-formal learning (INF) Parallel oral presentations

Speaker

Vincent Koeman

Description

Quantum technologies are seen as transformative, with potential to revolutionize fields like drug discovery and machine learning. Public engagement is crucial to align these developments with societal needs and foster acceptance. This study evaluated the impact of an exhibit about quantum technologies at the 2024 Lowlands music festival on 812 visitors. Pre- and post-surveys assessed changes in interest, attitude, concern and subjective knowledge. Results showed increases in subjective knowledge but decreases in interest, possibly due to reduced novelty or increased perceived difficulty. These findings highlight the effectiveness of exhibits in outreach and emphasize the importance of maintaining novelty and accessibility.

Education level Outreach, Informal & Non-formal learning of physics
Physics topic Quantum mechanics
Research focus Evaluation & Assessment
Research method Analytic Physics Education Research (Quantitative research)

Author

Co-authors

Dr Julia Cramer (Leiden University) Ms Sanne Romp (Nationaal Expertisecentrum Wetenschap & Samenleving) Dr Sanne Willems (Leiden University)

Presentation materials