Quantum information science (QIS), which ‘applies the best understanding of the sub-atomic world—quantumtheory—to generate new knowledge and technologies’, is, according to the US National Strategy for QIS, ‘the nexttechnological revolution’.1 The prospect of relatively near-term breakthroughs in quantum research offers thepossibility of enhancing national industrial capabilities, boosting economic productivity and providing substantialbenefits to national security. It is not surprising that the US, China, the UK and other countries are investing heavilyinto quantum research on the prospect of gaining substantial national benefits while mitigating QIS risks to currenttechnology.

This report by the former Chief Defence Scientist Dr Robert Clark and an eminent expert working group of Australianquantum researchers highlights important opportunities available to Australia if our government is prepared tomove quickly to boost QIS research—an area in which Australian science has important strengths.