UNESCO reveals stark North-South gap in access to quantum research facilities

A stark global divide is limiting who can contribute to the quantum technology advances, with researchers in the Global South facing significantly reduced access to critical infrastructure, according to a new UNESCO report released on Tuesday.

The report, titled "The Quantum Moment: A Global Report, Outcomes of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology," finds that one in three researchers worldwide do not have access to quantum research facilities at their institutions, a gap that threatens to slow innovation and deepen existing inequalities between developed and developing regions.

Quantum computing has the potential to explore an enormous number of possible solutions simultaneously, which could vastly increase computing power and revolutionize the ability to resolve certain complex problems. Applications range from accelerating drug discovery and improving the accuracy of climate modelling to strengthening cybersecurity systems.

However, the benefit remains highly unevenly distributed. According to the report, Europe and North America hosted seven times more quantum science events than Africa over the past year. Two-thirds of respondents cited high equipment costs as a key barrier to entry.

The study also points to a persistent gender gap in quantum-related fields. While women make up around 42% of early-career participants in quantum science events, their representation declined significantly to around 16% at senior levels and just 12% in leadership roles.

In response, UNESCO has launched a Global Quantum Initiative aimed at promoting more inclusive and ethical development of the technology. As part of the effort, researchers from developing countries are being granted remote access to advanced systems such as the IBM Quantum System One in the United States, enabling work on healthcare-related challenges, including drug development and disease modelling.

The report calls for coordinated international action to ensure that the emerging quantum era does not reinforce existing global divides.