Right now, the demand for quantum scientists, engineers, developers, and research software engineers (RSEs) far exceeds the supply, creating a growing talent gap that threatens to slow innovation at a critical time. As quantum technologies rapidly evolve, it’s essential that we train the next generation of experts who will develop, apply, and expand these tools in real-world settings.
Quantum computing is not just a scientific curiosity — it’s a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize fields ranging from medicine and materials science to cybersecurity and finance. But to realize this promise, we need people with deep, cross-disciplinary knowledge in physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. RSEs, who bridge the gap between research and software development, are especially critical in translating complex quantum theories into working code, usable tools, and scalable applications.
The best place to start is at the undergraduate level. By integrating quantum concepts and software engineering skills into early academic training, we give students the opportunity to build strong foundations and gain hands-on experience that will prepare them for future roles in this emerging field.
Governments, research institutions, and industries around the world are now investing heavily in quantum R&D. These investments are driving rapid advances in quantum hardware, software platforms, and algorithm design. Without a parallel investment in education and training — including the cultivation of RSEs — we risk falling behind in our ability to turn breakthroughs into impact.
