Episode details
World Service, 03 Mar 2026, 26 mins

Quantum computing is on the cusp of revolutionising everything from medicine to climate science. But with such transformative power comes a crucial question: should we be laying down some ethical guidelines now? The show delves into this by exploring how glass might become an eternal data storage medium, potentially lasting millennia. It’s not just about current tech; it also ponders what our spacefaring descendants will make of the sci-fi tales we tell today.

Presenter Chris Vallance and producer Tom Quinn guide us through a fascinating mix of cutting-edge technology and philosophical ponderings. As quantum machines whir to life, perhaps now is the time to start thinking about how these powerful new tools should be wielded responsibly.

The episode also highlights an intriguing development: glass that can store data for thousands of years. This innovation could become a cornerstone in our digital legacy, ensuring information survives long after we’re gone.

So while the future seems bright with quantum breakthroughs, let’s ensure it’s not just bright but ethical too. After all, what kind of pioneers do we want to be?