Elham Kashefi on how quantum computing can change the world
Elham Kashefi is Professor of quantum computing at Edinburgh University specialising in data privacy. But do the benefits of quantum technology outweigh the possible risks?
Professor Elham Kashefi鈥檚 story is an amazing tale of serendipity, growing up as a mischievous child in Iran, her ambition was to travel the world and this together with her love of dancing, led her to become a pioneer in quantum computing. Quantum computers hold the promise of tackling currently unsolvable problems in science, industry, and health, to name just a few areas; they will both break and enhance encryption systems, and they could accelerate drug discovery.
They also pose significant risks in cybersecurity, and as one of the founders of a pivotal field known as Blind Quantum Computing, Elham is pioneering new methods of data protection and secure communication inspired by her mum鈥檚 method of checking up on her naughty daughter. But is this enough to prevent the very real risks of a potentially disruptive technology?
Presented by Jim Al-Khalili
Produced by Geraldine Fitzgerald
A 麻豆社 Studios production
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- Tue 3 Nov 2026 09:00麻豆社 Radio 4
- Wed 4 Nov 2026 21:00麻豆社 Radio 4
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