Science communication and outreach in quantum physics
Language, metaphors, and the challenge of sharing the invisible
Charles Antoine | Sorbonne Université
How can we communicate the mysteries and wonders of quantum physics without distorting them? Between precise scientific language, captivating yet misleading metaphors, cognitive biases, and innovative teaching methods, this lecture explores how we share one of the most abstract and counterintuitive sciences.
Drawing on original art–science collaborations (equiQuanto, Nanorumeurs) and on my experience as Science Outreach Ambassador for CNRS Physics 2025, I’ll try to present my mission to bring quantum physics to diverse audiences — from students and teachers to the general public, journalists, industry leaders, policymakers, and even defense communities.
From today’s key applications to the emerging “second quantum revolution” — quantum computing, communications, cryptography, new materials, and sensors — this journey at the crossroads of science, language, art, and society invites us to rethink how we understand and share the quantum world of the 21st century.
About the speaker
Charles Antoine is a researcher at the Laboratoire de Physique Théorique de la Matière Condensée (LPTMC, Sorbonne Université), working at the crossroads of statistical physics, quantum physics, and nonlinear dynamics. His research focuses on first-passage processes in confined and heterogeneous environments, on the Brownian dynamics of anisotropic particles, and on the foundations of quantum mechanics, particularly through the study of symplectic invariants, the ABCD formalism, and their applications in atom optics and interferometry.
Beyond research, he is strongly engaged in science communication and outreach, exploring new ways to convey advanced scientific concepts — especially in quantum physics — to diverse audiences. A lecturer, author, translator, and columnist, he creates and participates in public lectures, artistic collaborations, exhibitions, and performances, including equiQuanto, a live art and science show intertwining quantum physics, drawing, and equestrian art.
In 2025, he was appointed by the CNRS as “Science Mediation Ambassador for Quantum Physics”, as part of the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
Location
QNC 1201