Quantum science – the study of quantum particles, the universe’s tiniest building blocks – underpins many technologies we already rely on, from lasers and MRI scanners to GPS and semiconductors. While the field is still emerging, the findings suggest growing public curiosity in how quantum technologies could help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. The European Union is investing over €1 billion in funding over ten years through its Quantum Flagship programme, launched in 2018 which supports cutting-edge research and innovation in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and simulation.
The new online survey, which was commissioned to mark World Quantum Day (14 April) and the United Nations’ International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, shows that quantum awareness is very high in France and Germany, with 78% of adults having knowledge of it. Conducted by YouGov, the survey was nationally representative and asked people in both countries what they know – and feel – about quantum science, offering a snapshot of public attitudes in Europe’s two most populous countries.
Overall, 53% of respondents said they were excited about the potential for quantum science and technology to help solve problems in healthcare – the most widely supported area – while others expressed optimism about its impact on energy (44%), cybersecurity (44%), and climate change (41%).
When asked about its potential impact or risks, 47% of all respondents said they believe quantum science and technology will have a positive or very positive impact on their country over the next five years. Only 4% of those surveyed believed it would have a negative impact on their country over the next 5 years. There were some differences between the two countries polled, with 81% of Germans saying they were aware of quantum technologies, compared to 73% of French adults.
Yasser Omar, President of the Portuguese Quantum Institute and representative of the Quantum Flagship, said: “This survey highlights the importance of World Quantum Day, which aims to spark curiosity and open up the world of quantum science to everyone. We need the public worldwide to understand how important quantum technology is for our future. People are already intrigued by the potential applications, from healthcare breakthroughs to contributing to tackling climate change. World Quantum Day invites everyone to join the conversation, discover what’s happening, and imagine the future together.”
While there is widespread awareness and support for quantum technology, only one-third (29%) of those surveyed had a good level of understanding about what quantum science and technology is, and 49% had heard of it but didn’t know what it is.
Approximately one in four people think they understand how quantum technologies could be applied to real-world challenges. For example, 23% knew that quantum science could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 29% that it could enable the discovery of new drugs to fight disease and 29% that it could improve weather forecasting, meaning we could get better warnings for storms and other natural disasters.
Health and well-being are advancing with quantum photonics, which provides rapid, clean detection solutions in medical imaging and diagnosis, while quantum chemistry is supporting the development of new vaccines and drugs. In industry and infrastructure, quantum engineering is leading to more energy-efficient and affordable solar cells, as well as low-emission LED light sources. For climate action, quantum physics is enabling scientists to develop next-generation sensors for environmental monitoring, while quantum processors are being developed to improve the accuracy of long-term climate models.
In recognition of these advances, the United Nations declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, calling on countries around the world to support quantum research and promote public engagement.
Thanks to a century of progress, the world is entering a second quantum revolution, harnessing particles like atoms, electrons, and photons to build ultra-secure communications, powerful new computers, and sensors more sensitive than anything we’ve ever known.
Europe has been a driving force in quantum science since the days of Planck, Einstein, Schrödinger and Heisenberg – and today remains at the forefront through the EU Quantum Flagship. The Quantum Flagship programme, launched in 2018 with a planned €1 billion in funding over ten years, is supporting research and innovation across quantum computing, communication, sensing, and simulation. New initiatives such as the European Chips Act, EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, and national strategies in countries like Germany and France are also reinforcing Europe’s leadership and commitment to bringing quantum technologies into the real world.
As part of a broader €200 million investment across three years within the Chips Act, a €65 million funding call was launched in September 2024 to accelerate the industrialization of quantum chips and reduce time-to-market for these novel technologies.
With support from the EU and the UN, World Quantum Day 2025 is bringing scientists, educators, and the public together to celebrate this transformative field — and explore how quantum can help build a better future.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 3,093 adults (1,037 in France and 2,056 in Germany). Fieldwork was undertaken between 4-8 April 2025. The survey was carried out online. YouGov is registered with the Information Commissioner and is a member of the British Polling Council.
World Quantum Day is an annual celebration promoting public awareness and understanding of quantum science and technology around the world. In 2025, the World Quantum launched the projects Quantum Cities and Quantum Countries, as well as the World Quantum City Prize.
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