An update on the second interdisciplinary workshop in a three-part series exploring how quantum technologies may shape the future of food.
Written by Dr Saihong Li, Translating Quantum Food Futures Project Lead
The second workshop in a new interdisciplinary series explored how translation, creative practice, and interdisciplinary dialogue can contribute to the responsible development of quantum technologies in food systems. Building on the first workshop, which introduced participants to emerging quantum technologies and their potential applications in food and nutrition, this workshop shifted attention towards the translation, cultural, ethical, communicative and creative dimensions of innovation. Bringing together researchers from quantum science, food and nutrition, aquaculture, translation studies, visual arts, and international development, the workshop examined how translation and creative practice can function as forms of knowledge production rather than simply mechanisms for communicating scientific research. Alongside discussions of quantum technologies, participants considered questions of responsible innovation, public engagement, global equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Supported by the Quantum ARC and SCAF, this workshop shifted attention from introducing quantum technologies to exploring how they can be translated across disciplines, cultures, institutions, and publics.
The morning began with Dr Jen Clarke (RGU) introducing "research creation"—the idea that artistic and creative practice can generate new knowledge rather than merely communicate existing research. Group discussions explored what is hardest to communicate across disciplines, what gets lost or mistranslated, and what becomes visible when research is encountered by outsiders. Ethics in sensor development emerged as a key concern, with Trusted Research and Innovation (TRI) now formally required in quantum physics.
The campus art walk, led by Emma McCombie of the Stirling Collection, formed part of the workshop's research methodology—inviting participants to reflect on how public art, landscape, and place shape interpretation and interdisciplinary dialogue.
In the afternoon, Charles Howie focused on Malawi, highlighting dependence on rain-fed agriculture, poor nutritional quality, and a population projected to double by around 2050. He posed critical questions: can quantum technologies help highly indebted countries? What effects might they have on food production? And who will own and control these technologies? Francis Murray (FAO) noted that developing countries lack capacity to measure pesticide and antibiotic residues, leading to rejected food shipments—quantum sensing could enable local testing and support food safety compliance. A quantum researcher also described how UK funding structures often discourage public-good applications in favour of profitable spin-outs.
In the scoping review session, Mausam Budhatchoki (University of Copenhagen) presented a framework for reviewing translational quantum technologies across four domains: sensing and monitoring; computing and optimisation; simulation; and food system intelligence.
Several themes emerged throughout the day. Translation extends beyond language and operates as a process of negotiating knowledge across disciplines, cultures, institutions, and publics. Artistic research contributes to knowledge production rather than serving solely as communication. Responsible innovation requires ethical reflection throughout technology development. And quantum technologies should respond to genuine food-system challenges, particularly those affecting low- and middle-income countries.
As the project lead reflected: "What made the workshop so valuable was the willingness to ask difficult questions together—about equity, ownership, and who benefits from emerging technologies."
The Stirling event marks the second of a three-part workshop series. The third workshop will take place in August 2026, where participants will continue building interdisciplinary connections and presenting initial findings from the scoping review.
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