Quantum information and computation

Our world is increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), which changes not only our daily lives but also basic research and how we work scientifically. This research project focuses on the development of explainable and trustworthy AI in basic research, while also incorporating current developments that link AI with quantum technologies. Our goal is to explore new possibilities of these technologies in science, while also addressing challenges related to their transparency and trustworthiness. The project explores two main questions: 1. Can we develop an AI for basic research that can provide us not only with answers but also explanations? 2. What impact do quantum technologies have on the development of (explainable) AI? To answer the first question, we take a philosophers perspective to view AI as a type of artificial agency, which enables us to classify and assess the actions of an AI in comparison with actions of biological agents. In the context of scientific practice, this viewpoint will help us address the autonomy, freedom and authorship of AI, while also facilitating the development of trustworthy and transparent AI systems whose decisions are explainable. These investigations follow a multidisciplinary approach that includes physics, behavioral biology, AI, and philosophy of science. For the second question, we examine the use of quantum technologies to contribute to the development of AI systems. However, the transparency and explainability of quantum-based AI remains an open problem. Therefore, this project is dedicated not only to the explainability of classical AI but also of quantum-based AI. This project views modern AI as artificial agency. This approach will allow us to compare the actions of an AI with those of biological agents and thereby to better understand and explain them.