Introduction to Quantum Computing
A Dialogue Paper examining quantum computing's potential to reshape data processing, cybersecurity and complex modelling systems across industries.
In brief:
- Australia must significantly scale up public and private investments in quantum computing projects if it is to unlock the technology’s full benefits and leverage the globally recognised expertise we have.
- Quantum computing is expected to revolutionise the way we use data and computation – from needing new cybersecurity keys used in banking and other applications to enormously speeding up computationally intensive calculations such as optimising investment portfolios, discovering new pharmaceutical drugs and optimising responses to climate change.
- While working quantum computers – in commercial use at large scale – are not expected to arrive for another decade, there are rewards for those who prepare ahead of time for these risks and opportunities.
"Australia has several interesting quantum hardware development companies and teams of mathematicians and theoretical physicists at universities working on quantum algorithms. We need to invest more in a wide variety of the approaches they’re taking to maximise the benefits for Australia and not get left behind."
— Dr Anthony Lowe, co-author of Introduction to Quantum Computing
About the authors
Dr Anthony Lowe and Dr Michael Walker
This Dialogue Paper was co-authored by Actuaries Institute Council Member Dr Anthony Lowe, who holds a PhD in quantum field theory, together with Dr Michael Walker, who holds a PhD in theoretical physics and works in the quantum computing industry.
Dialogue Papers are a series of papers written by actuaries and published by the Actuaries Institute which aim to stimulate discussion on important, emerging issues. Opinions expressed in this publication are the opinions of the Paper’s author and do not necessarily represent those of the Institute.
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