Women in Quantum: Advancing Research, Societal Impact, and Capacity Building for Inclusive Quantum Ecosystems

Women represent less than 30% of researchers globally, and persistent biases and gender stereotypes still discourage many women from pursuing and staying in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) [1]. Women remain significantly underrepresented in quantum: fewer than 2% of applicants to quantum jobs are women, many companies report no senior female leaders, and in major European funding calls women led only a small share of teams/consortia. Key challenges include limited role models and mentoring, unequal access to leadership opportunities, and work–life balance barriers (including a lack of family-friendly policies), compounded by patchy institutional gender data. Advancing gender equality in science is essential for fairness and representation, but most importantly, for the contributions women make to sustainable development, as highlighted by UNESCO. To drive real progress, we must promote equity, challenge stereotypes, and actively support the participation and leadership of women across STEM careers - including quantum science and technology.Frontiers in Quantum Science and Technology is proud to offer this platform to spotlight the contributions of women scientists across the full breadth of quantum research and applications. This collection highlights diverse work spanning theory, experimentation, engineering, and methodologies with real-world relevance - ranging from foundational quantum concepts to emerging technologies that address scientific and societal challenges.In addition, we welcome contributions on quantum-enabled measurement, sensing, and enabling technologies that connect quantum science with high-impact real-world deployment contexts (e.g., space and extreme environments), including precision instrumentation, calibration/validation, systems integration, and translation pathways from laboratory demonstrations to fielded or mission-scale systems.To broaden impact and reflect the growing importance of inclusive quantum ecosystems, this Research Topic also welcomes scholarship at the interface of quantum science and science policy - including capacity building, education and workforce development, equitable access to infrastructure (including remote/shared access models), evidence-building and metrics on the quantum talent pipeline, responsible/anticipatory governance, and international cooperation to help close the global “quantum divide.”We welcome submissions from women researchers and especially ones based in, or originating from, less privileged countries and communities. Without being restrictive, we encourage contributions across the following six sections:1) Quantum Theory and FoundationsResearch on the conceptual and mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics, including quantum information theory, entanglement, decoherence, quantum thermodynamics, quantum chaos, and new theoretical frameworks that deepen our understanding of quantum phenomena.2) Quantum Materials, Devices, and HardwareWork focused on the physical platforms that enable quantum technologies, including superconducting circuits, trapped ions, neutral atoms, photonics, spin systems, semiconductors, topological systems, and hybrid architectures - covering fabrication, control, characterization, and performance.3) Quantum Computing, Simulation, and AlgorithmsStudies advancing quantum computation and simulation, including algorithm design, error mitigation and correction, compilation and control, benchmarking, near-term (NISQ) applications, quantum advantage demonstrations, and domain-specific quantum workflows.4) Quantum Communication, Sensing, and MetrologyContributions on quantum networks and secure communication (e.g., QKD, quantum repeaters, entanglement distribution, quantum memories, and satellite/space quantum links), alongside quantum-enhanced sensing and metrology. Topics may include quantum magnetometry, atomic clocks/timing, inertial sensing and navigation, atom interferometry and gravimetry, quantum imaging, RF/EM field sensing, and precision spectroscopy - plus system-level work on calibration/uncertainty, noise/decoherence in deployed sensors, ruggedization for field/extreme environments (including space), integration with classical instrumentation, and benchmarking versus classical sensors.5) Quantum Software, Systems, and ApplicationsResearch on quantum software stacks and systems engineering, including programming models, verification, resource estimation, hardware–software co-design, integration with classical HPC/AI, and applications in areas such as materials discovery, chemistry, optimization, finance, and logistics.6) Quantum Science Policy, Capacity Building, and Inclusive EcosystemsResearch and perspectives on building inclusive, development-oriented quantum ecosystems, including: training pathways and curriculum models; mentorship and leadership development; infrastructure access and resource-sharing mechanisms; research services and lab enablement; evaluation frameworks and indicators for participation and impact; science diplomacy and international partnerships; and governance approaches that safeguard scientific neutrality while supporting responsible innovation and societal benefit.All submissions to this Research Topic (including interdisciplinary contributions across quantum science, capacity building, and science policy) will be handled in line with Frontiers’ standard editorial policies and peer-review requirements, and assessed for rigor, clarity, originality, and relevance to the Topic scope through a fair, independent editorial process.EligibilityTo be considered for this collection, the first or last author should be a researcher who identifies as a woman.By showcasing outstanding work led by women scientists, this collection aims to amplify visibility, strengthen networks, inspire future generations, and support a more inclusive and globally representative quantum community.References:[1] UNESCO (2025) Status and trends of women in science: new insights and sectoral perspectives. Paris: UNESCO. Available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000393768 (Accessed: 18 February 2026). Topic editors: ANA MARIA CETTO, Andrea Valdés-Hernández, Irene Marzoli Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78732/women-in-quantum-advancing-research-societal-impact-and-capacity-building-for-inclusive-quantum-ecosystems