The Light Side

As AI systems become increasingly capable of proving theorems, designing quantum circuits and doing research, what remains uniquely human about doing science? In this episode of The Light Side , we speak to Dr. Steven Herbert, a lecturer in computer science at the University of Cambridge. We discuss how quantum computing has evolved from an exploratory field into a push towards real-world applicat...

What does it actually take to build a quantum computer? In this episode of The Light Side , we speak with Lia Yeh, a quantum computing researcher at the University of Cambridge, about quantum computer architecture, compilation, software and hardware, and the different approaches researchers are taking to build quantum machines. Lia explains how her background in computer science and physics led he...

What is it like to fall in love with a problem? In this episode I sit down with Professor David Deutsch, pioneer of quantum computing and one of the most influential thinkers in modern theoretical physics. David takes us through his journey from studying quantum fields in Dennis Sciama's prefab hut at Oxford to developing the theoretical foundations of quantum computing. We discuss Constructor...

Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered pulsars as a Cambridge graduate student in 1967, but there's so much more to her story. She walks us through growing up in Northern Ireland, where an astronomy book that her father brought home from the library, hooked her completely. We also hear about her experiences navigating Cambridge as one of the few women in physics. We explore what questions excite her toda...

What exactly makes a quantum computer different from the laptop on your desk? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Maria Violaris, a quantum physicist at Oxford, to discuss how qubits use superposition and entanglement, why today’s quantum computers are impressive but not yet practical, and the challenges researchers are working to overcome. Maria also shares her journey into quantum computing and...

Prof. Steve Simon from Oxford shares how he became fascinated with physics, unpacks topological quantum computing, and reflects on why history of science matters to him.