Alba Cervera: "The supercomputer consumes as much energy as the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed train: quantum computing is more efficient."

Alba Cervera's (Barcelona, ​​1991) decision to study physics has a lot to do with Star Trek and Isaac Asimov. Her father loved science fiction and instilled that passion in her. Cervera was fascinated by everything related to space and decided she wanted to be an astrophysicist. However, while studying for her physics degree at the University of Barcelona, she discovered quantum information and dedicated herself to it completely. And today she is one of the most recognized scientific voices in that field.

A Ramón y Cajal researcher at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center - National Supercomputing Center (BSC), she coordinates the Quantum Spain project, an initiative to promote the quantum computing ecosystem at the national level, which aims to operate a quantum computer at the BSC-CNS. Furthermore, this year she is one of the curators of the fourth edition of the City and Science Biennial, which will take place between November 18 and 23, and which revolves around quantum physics.

Why does the Biennial have quantum physics as its central theme?

— In 2025 we are celebrating the International Year of Quantum Physics and Technologies, because it marks 100 years since the foundations of this theory were laid, which It has allowed us to have almost all the technology we have today.The first revolution gave rise to semiconductors, electronics, lasers, and magnetic resonance imaging. Now we have just entered the second revolution, which is based on being able to transform and manipulate information with atoms, or with quantum circuits.

What will it allow?

— For example, more secure communications, quantum computing, and ultra-precise quantum sensors. The quantum computer I work with, when it began its development, aimed to better understand the quantum world. It was basic science. But, of course, the quantum world describes chemistry, materials science, light, and radiation. If we understand chemistry very well, we can make better drugs. If we understand materials science very well, we can develop the materials of the future. And many other things we can't even imagine yet. The first regular computers were built to send humanity to the moon, and at that time, nobody thought about any other applications. And now, however, we all carry one in our pockets. During the Biennial, we will talk about the technology of the future and its applications in society.

But quantum mechanics is scary because it's not understood.

— That's why we want to bring it closer to everyone and show that it's much more commonplace than we think, that we shouldn't be afraid of it but rather look at it with eyes that want to understand how the world and the Universe work.

In addition to more informative topics about this branch of physics, the Biennial will address issues such as the importance of technological sovereignty, the geopolitical aspect of quantum physics, and its risks.

— All science that ultimately leads to technology has a political and strategic dimension, and as scientists, we must consider this and evaluate the different purposes for which our developments could be used. For example, a sufficiently sophisticated quantum computer can break all current cryptography. Depending on who builds it or who possesses it, this could pose a significant risk. That's why it's crucial that at least one such computer be in public hands, to safeguard the interests of society. And that it be developed here.

And done here.

— In Europe we have learned the lesson with chips, which at one time were manufactured in Europe, they stopped making them and now we are 100% dependent on other powers like China, and we do not depend on ourselves.

Now we're catching up again with the chip industry, with projects such as PIXEurope.

— Yes, but it will take many years and enormous investments. With quantum technologies, we still have time. In Europe, we have a lot of talent and many startups capable of developing them.

Can Catalonia be a leader in Europe in quantum technologies?

— We have all the right ingredients to be one. We have excellent research centers, such as the BSC, IFAE, ICFO, and ICN2; initiatives like the Quantum Valley; a wealth of talent, and spin-offs and start-ups Very powerful ones, such as Lux Quanta and Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech. ICFO is one of the most powerful institutions in Europe and the world in quantum computing. The BSC, with 4,000 researchers, is one of the best supercomputing and research centers in Europe. And within the BSC, we are now investing heavily in quantum computing.

In fact, a few months ago the BSC launched the Mare Nostrum Ona, the first state-owned quantum computer made with 100% European technology..

— There are other quantum computers in Spain, such as in Galicia, and another is being installed in the Basque Country, but we are the only ones with exclusively European technology and strong involvement from the country's business sector. Actually, there are two quantum computers: one part of the Quantum Spain project and another that is among the first in the European EuroHPC network. Both are components of the MareNostrum supercomputer, which is dedicated to quantum computing. It is a finished product that researchers at the BSC will be able to use and that will be controlled from a laptop.

The Global Carbon Budget 2025 report, published this week by the international consortium Global Carbon Projecte, headed by Pep Canadell from Catalonia, warned that global CO₂ emissions continue to rise. Will the quantum computer help?

— A supercomputer consumes as much energy per hour as the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed train. Incredible! In fact, the most advanced machines are being installed next to nuclear power plants to ensure sufficient energy supply. This is unsustainable, and we must explore alternative computing models. In this regard, quantum computing is an option because, as it's designed, it shouldn't consume nearly as much energy as conventional computing. Quantum computers are highly efficient, and whether the chip has 5 qubits or 500, the energy consumption is virtually the same, unlike a traditional computer, where higher power consumption means higher energy use. This doesn't mean it's a green technology or that it will lead to energy efficiency, but it doesn't generate nearly as many emissions as traditional computing.

At the Biennial, she presents the Women for Quantum manifesto.

— This is the work of renowned female scientists in this field who have analyzed the situation of female researchers in quantum physics and propose a series of measures that go beyond simply increasing the visibility of women at conferences. These measures are concrete proposals that funding bodies can adopt to ensure that female scientists are not left behind and have access to the same facilities and resources as their male colleagues. It is true that the quantum physics boom is recent and, therefore, still a very young field. And that's why there is greater awareness within the scientific community: the women who have led this revolution have been recognized and are well-known. The problem is that very few have made it, myself included. Few of us complete undergraduate degrees, even fewer pursue doctorates, and far fewer still decide to continue in research. And, obviously, this is not a problem specific to the field, but a societal one.