Thank you for joining us online to hear the talks that are a part of our Quantum Computing Masterclass!
The first talk, "Qubits, superposition and measurement", introduces quantum computing as a way of using the unusual rules of the quantum world to explore problems that are much harder for ordinary computers. It also explains why this is challenging in practice, showing how quantum systems are fragile and can be disrupted by noise from their surroundings. Students will be introduced to key ideas such as superposition and entanglement through clear comparisons between qubits and familiar classical bits, revealing how quantum information can behave in ways that have no everyday equivalent. The session also shows why quantum computers have attracted so much interest by connecting them to practical challenges such as factoring very large numbers and simulating atoms and materials more effectively. A final highlight of the talk is the Bloch sphere, which makes the abstract idea of a qubit more visual and easier to understand, while introducing deeper ideas such as probability and phase. Overall, this talk is designed to give school students a strong introduction to what quantum computing is and why researchers believe it could shape the future of technology.
We look forward to you joining us on Zoom on Tuesday 5 May 2026. The programme for the online day is:
- 10:00 Welcome to the NQCC, introduction to the day
- 10:30 Qubits, superposition and measurement
- 11:00 Break
- 16:00 Careers panel: roles across the quantum computing stack
- 16:40 Wrap-up
- 17:00 End
You are welcome to attend whichever parts of the day work for you. We want all students to be able to participate by asking and answering questions - in order to do this safely, we need some information from you, including your school email domain - so we can ensure that only schools and students who are registered can attend.