Speaker
Description
This paper reports events and impact of a two-day Physics Without Frontiers (PWF)
quantum computing School that took place on the 14th and 15th of November 2020 at the National University of Lesotho (NUL). Sponsored by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and aimed to run annually, the School was intended to introduce quantum computing; using existing open-source quantum computing platforms, to undergraduate students in Lesotho as well as to highlight how quantum computing can be used as a driver for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The School was also intended to encourage students to consider furthering their study in quantum computing and related disciplines. This (hoped-to-be annual) event will potentially unite the NUL, the Lesotho government and the ICTP in a long-term relationship; to the benefit of young Basotho scientists and students. The November 2020 event was, in and of itself, a success on several response measures including good and consistent attendance over the two days, as well as being influential based on several students’ requests for postgraduate reference letters following this event. The outreach approach used here can be replicated elsewhere, especially in Africa, in order to capacitate students with quantum computing skills. Challenges encountered in this event will also be discussed in the paper.
Apply to be considered for a student ; award (Yes / No)?
No
Level for award;(Hons, MSc, PhD, N/A)?
N/A
