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Stanford Center for Law and the Biosciences: BioLawLaPaLooZa 2023-2024
Stanford Center for Law and the Biosciences: BioLawLaPaLooZa 2023-2024

For those deeply engaged in the intricate intersections of law, life sciences, and ethics, Professor Hank Greely’s annual BioLawLaPaLooza at Stanford Law School stands as an intellectual cornerstone. It is a vibrant, informal, yet deeply substantive gathering that brings together leading scholars to test new ideas, debate emerging challenges, and build the collaborative bridges essential for navigating our complex technological future. As a speaker and the photographer for the 2023 and 2024 editions, Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technologie Founder Mauritz Kop had the distinct pleasure of documenting and participating in these vital conversations. This post offers a reflection on and tribute to these remarkable events, which serve as a testament to the foresight and community-building spirit of Stanford’s Center for Law and the Biosciences.

The Center for Law and the Biosciences (CLB): A Foundation for Interdisciplinary Dialogue

Before delving into the events themselves, it is essential to understand the institution that makes them possible. The Stanford Center for Law and the Biosciences (CLB), under the direction of Hank Greely, has long been a preeminent academic hub for exploring the legal and ethical quandaries posed by advances in the life sciences. Alongside the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard University, directed by Professor I. Glenn Cohen, the CLB stands as one of the world's leading institutions in this domain. The Center's mission is to foster interdisciplinary research, educate the next generation of leaders in law and science, and inform public policy on topics ranging from genetics and neuroscience to reproductive technologies and AI in healthcare.

The CLB's history is marked by influential scholarship, a distinguished roster of fellows and faculty, and a commitment to public engagement. Its fellowship program has proven to be a successful launchpad, with former fellows frequently securing positions as professors and becoming influential scholars in their own right. Its publications consistently shape academic discourse and provide critical guidance to policymakers. BioLawLaPaLooza is the embodiment of the Center’s mission, creating an environment where complex ideas can be presented and scrutinized in a collegial, fast-paced format. The event’s structure—short, sharp presentations followed by engaged discussion—ensures a breadth and depth of intellectual exchange that is both rare and invaluable.

The Journal of Law and the Biosciences: A Premier Scholarly Venue

Further extending the intellectual ecosystem of which the CLB is a part is the Journal of Law and the Biosciences (JLB). As the first peer-reviewed academic journal focused on the intersection of law and the life sciences, JLB serves as the premier venue for scholarship in this field. It is a co-publication of Duke University, Harvard University Law School, and Stanford University, published by Oxford University Press. The journal's leadership reflects the collaborative and interdisciplinary spirit of the field, with Editors-in-Chief Professor Nita Farahany (Duke), Professor I. Glenn Cohen (Harvard), and Professor Hank Greely (Stanford). Many of the scholars who present their nascent ideas at BioLawLaPaLooza are also contributors to and readers of the journal, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the conference and the formal academic literature. https://academic.oup.com/jlb

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Academics, Harvard, Healthcare, Law, Quantum ELSPI, Stanford RQT, BiosciencesMauritz KopBioLawLaPaLooZa, Conference, Stanford Law, Law, Ethics, Biosciences, Afterparty, Mark Lemley, Lisa Ouellette, Michelle Mello, Harvard Petrie-Flom, Stanford Center for Law and the Biosciences, Fellows, Journal of Law and the Biosciences, Oxford Academic, Nita Farahany, I. Glenn Cohen, Hank Greely, Mauritz Kop
Mauritz Kop Keynote Speaker at Quantum Governance Workshop at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Mauritz Kop Keynote Speaker at Quantum Governance Workshop at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

Phoenix, Arizona—On May 15, 2024, the Center for Law, Science & Innovation at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law hosted a timely Workshop on Quantum Governance, bringing together a diverse group of experts to chart a course for the responsible development of quantum technologies. Mauritz Kop, Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, delivered the keynote address, setting the tone for a day of critical and forward-looking discussions.

Hosted at ASU's Beus Center for Law and Society in beautiful Phoenix, the workshop provided an ideal academic setting for this crucial conversation. ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is renowned for its focus on the intersection of law, science, and innovation, making it a natural hub for exploring thecomplex governance challenges presented by quantum's second revolution.

Kop's Keynote: Towards Responsible Quantum Technology Governance

In his keynote address, Mauritz Kop presented a comprehensive vision for establishing robust governance frameworks before quantum technology becomes widely integrated into society. He argued that the world must proactively prevent the missteps seen in the governance of previous transformative technologies like artificial intelligence, genetics, and nuclear power.

Kop's talk, "Towards Responsible Quantum Technology Governance," articulated the profound dual-use nature of the field. He detailed the immense potential benefits, from enhancing medical imaging and accelerating drug discovery to mitigating climate change and improving macroeconomic policy-making. Simultaneously, he outlined the significant risks, including the "Q-Day" threat to global cybersecurity, the potential for a new quantum arms race, and the dangers of misuse by authoritarian regimes for mass surveillance.

Learning from AI, Biosciences, and Nanotech

A core theme of the workshop, championed by host Professor Gary Marchant, was the importance of drawing lessons from the governance of prior technological waves. Professor Marchant, a leading scholar in the governance of emerging technologies, and other speakers presented valuable analyses of the successes and failures in regulating fields like biotechnology, nanotechnology, and AI.

A Synergy of Interdisciplinary Expertise

The workshop's strength lay in its rich diversity of speakers. The agenda featured experts from law, computer science, government, and industry, ensuring a holistic and multifaceted discussion. Presentations from Kaniah Konkoly-Thege of Quantinuum on regulatory developments, Jeffery Atik of Loyola Law School on antitrust implications, Royal "Aubrey" Davis of the United States Air Force Academy on historical approaches to transformative technologies, and Megan Wagner & Sarah Wastek from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law on Governance Lessons from Nanotechnology, among others, created a vibrant intellectual exchange. This collaborative environment is essential for developing governance solutions that are not only technically sound but also legally robust and ethically grounded.

A Lasting Contribution: The Workshop Paper

A significant outcome of this collaborative event is the group-authored paper, "Learning From Emerging Technology Governance for Guiding Quantum Technology," which is available on SSRN here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4923230. The paper synthesizes the insights and discussions from the workshop, providing a comprehensive roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers. It serves as a durable and influential contribution to the global dialogue on quantum governance, outlining actionable strategies for fostering innovation while ensuring safety, equity, and accountability.

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Academics, Conference, Geopolitics, Governance, Innovation, Nano Engineering, Quantum Technology, Stanford RQTMauritz KopArizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Beus Center for Law and Society, Phoenix, Stanford RQT, Quantum Governance, Law, Ethics, Policy, Q-Day, Keynote, Aubrey Davis, Gary Marchant, Mauritz Kop
Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at the British Consulate General Team in San Francisco
Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at the British Consulate General Team in San Francisco

Around coronation weekend in May 2023—as King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned at Westminster Abbey—the British Consulate General in San Francisco hosted a coronation celebration at Grace Cathedral. The afternoon paired royal pageantry, screened from London, with a performance by the Saint Helena Unified School District choir. It was also, for the diplomats and scientists present, an unstructured space in which the governance of emerging technology could be raised informally—a cultural moment that doubled as quiet science diplomacy.

A celebration that became a conversation

Stanford legal scholar Mauritz Kop, who works on responsible quantum technology and trustworthy artificial intelligence, used the gathering to discuss pathways toward responsible quantum technology (RQT) and trustworthy AI with government representatives from an array of countries. Consular receptions rarely produce communiqués; what they produce is shared vocabulary and durable relationships—the connective tissue on which later cooperation depends. A coronation party is, on its surface, a cultural moment; for the people in the room, it was also a rare unstructured setting in which the substance of technology policy could be raised without the apparatus of a formal summit.

Science diplomacy, defined

Science diplomacy is the deliberate use of scientific cooperation to build relationships and inform policy across borders. The questions raised that afternoon were genuinely interdisciplinary: because an arbitrary unknown quantum state cannot be perfectly copied—the no-cloning theorem—quantum technologies reshape what secure communication and intercept attacks can even mean, with direct consequences for cryptography, security, and the legal frameworks that must keep pace. Raising such questions with diplomats from several governments, in a room built for conversation rather than negotiation, is exactly how interdisciplinary governance work begins.

The hosts and the guests

Among the representatives present were Dutch Innovation Consul Walter de Wit and Consul General Dirk Janssen. The event was organized by the UK Science & Innovation Network; Kop thanked Joe White MBE, then His Majesty's Consul General in San Francisco, and Florence Chaverneff of the Network, for convening it. The lesson is a small one with large implications: a guest list is also an agenda, and cultural occasions are among the better instruments of technology diplomacy.

Why it matters

Responsible quantum technology and trustworthy AI will not be governed by any country acting alone, but by networks of people who trust one another enough to disagree productively. Those networks are sometimes built in conference halls and sometimes in a cathedral, on a celebratory afternoon—between a screening of a coronation and a choir's last song. Read alongside the formal record of conferences and consultations, the afternoon is a reminder that some of the most consequential governance work happens in the margins of cultural events. Related reading: AIRecht's coverage of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology.

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Geopolitics, AcademicsMauritz KopMauritz Kop, Stanford RQT, AI, Governance, Science Diplomacy, Quantum Technology, San Francisco, United Kingdom, Coronation, UK Science & Innovation Network
Mauritz Kop Guest Professor at US Air Force Academy
Mauritz Kop Guest Professor at US Air Force Academy

Colorado Springs, April 25, 2024. We are pleased to highlight Professor Mauritz Kop's recent engagement as a guest professor at the prestigious United States Air Force Academy on April 25, 2024. Professor Kop, Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT), addressed talented cadets on "Models for Responsible Regulation of Quantum Information Sciences." The class was an integral part of the Law and Emerging Tech program, led by Professor Aubrey Davis.

Professor Kop's lecture provided a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving landscape of quantum technologies and the critical need for proactive, responsible governance, particularly in the context of global geopolitical dynamics.

The Quantum Frontier: Opportunities and Geostrategic Challenges

The session commenced by acknowledging the significant global interest and investment in quantum technologies, noting China's relentless advances in AI and quantum, particularly in quantum networking, which has spurred anxieties about America’s technological supremacy. This technological race brings forth a deeper, existential concern: the potential effects of authoritarian regimes exporting their values into democratic societies through their technology.

Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) and Its Operationalization

The discussion delved into the critical concept of Quantum-ELSPI (Ethical, Legal, Socio-economic, and Policy Implications), which must be proactively considered for any emerging technology. Quantum-ELSPI, he argued, should inspire the practice of Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT). The Stanford-led RQT framework integrates ELSPI perspectives into quantum R&D, deployment, and adoption, responding to the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) dimensions of anticipation, inclusion, reflection, and responsiveness (AIRR).

To make RQT actionable, Professor Kop introduced the 10 Principles for Responsible Quantum Innovation, developed by his multidisciplinary research group. These principles are organized under the SEA framework (Safeguarding, Engaging, and Advancing Quantum Technology) and aim to guide regulatory interventions and cultivate responsible practices across precautionary and permissionless innovation systems. Operationalizing these principles requires continuous multi-stakeholder collaboration throughout the lifecycle of quantum systems, involving standard-setting bodies like ISO, NIST, and IEEE, and potentially new oversight mechanisms like an "Atomic Agency for Quantum-AI".

The Role of Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Education

Highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives, Professor Kop, who integrates his background in law, music, and art into his quantum work, emphasized the need to go beyond siloed approaches to solve the hypercomplex matters arising from quantum technology. He referenced the Stanford Center for RQT's work, its multidisciplinary approach to tackling ELSPI, and its mission to foster competitive, values-based, equitable quantum ecosystems. Initiatives like the annual Stanford RQT Conference and the newly launched Stanford Quantum Incubator aim to bring the quantum community together, bridge gaps between academia, government, investors, and industry, and promote quantum literacy.

Professor Kop concluded by underscoring the urgent need for developing robust models for the responsible regulation of quantum information sciences to ensure that these powerful new capabilities benefit humanity and uphold democratic values.

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Academics, University, Quantum TechnologyMauritz KopUS Air Force Academy, Quantum Governance, AI, Democracy, Innovation, Defense, National Security, Mauritz Kop, Aubrey Davis
Nature Physics publishes A Call for Responsible Quantum Technology by Urs Gasser, Eline De Jong and Mauritz Kop
Nature Physics publishes A Call for Responsible Quantum Technology by Urs Gasser, Eline De Jong and Mauritz Kop

The leading journal Nature Physics has published "A Call for Responsible Quantum Technology," a significant Comment piece authored by a transatlantic team of scholars: Urs Gasser, Eline De Jong, and Mauritz Kop. Published on April 9, 2024, the article serves as a manifesto of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT). It presents a compelling argument for proactively establishing ethical and societal guardrails for quantum technology (QT) while the field is still in its formative stages.

Citation: Gasser, U., De Jong, E. & Kop, M. A call for responsible quantum technology. Nat. Phys. 20, 525–527 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02462-8

This foundational work builds upon the Stanford Center for RQT's prior scholarship, including the foundational paper "Towards Responsible Quantum Technology" published at Harvard and the University of California, and the "10 Principles for Responsible Quantum Innovation" published at IOP Science & Technology. All three authors are members of the Stanford RQT Center, which is founded and directed by Kop, who also served as the senior and corresponding author on the Nature publication. The article crystallizes the Center's crucial mission: to guide the development of quantum technologies in a direction that is safe, ethical, and beneficial for humanity and the planet.

Watch Urs Gasser and Eline De Jong present their Nature publication at the Stanford Responsible Quantum Technology Conference here: https://youtu.be/2vA9fID-7SA?si=MV67C9jN34UlsmuW&t=1279

The Core Argument: A Proactive Stance on Quantum Governance

The central thesis of "A Call for Responsible Quantum Technology" is both clear and urgent: the time to consider and implement governance frameworks for QT is now. The authors draw a crucial lesson from the history of other powerful innovations, such as nuclear fission and artificial intelligence (AI), where ethical, legal, and social considerations were often addressed reactively, "once the genie is already out of the bottle." Given the potentially transformative and disruptive power of quantum, the article argues that repeating this mistake is not an option.

A Framework for Responsible Quantum Innovation

To navigate this complex landscape, the authors propose a comprehensive framework for Responsible Quantum Technology. This is not a call for premature, heavy-handed legislation but for a systematic approach to anticipate and manage the ethical, legal, social, and policy implications (ELSPI) throughout the entire QT lifecycle.

The framework is designed to be operationalized through a set of quantum-specific guiding principles, which the authors organize into three functional categories, known as the SEA principles:

  • Safeguarding: Principles focused on mitigating downside risks, requiring that issues like information security and malicious dual-use scenarios are considered from the outset of research and development.

  • Engaging: Principles designed to foster robust interaction between innovators and diverse stakeholders to address complex issues like intellectual property, market competition, and equitable access.

  • Advancing: Principles that prioritize and incentivize the development of QT applications that serve desirable societal goals and the common good.

This layered approach, spanning technical, ethical, and socio-legal considerations, provides a navigational aid for researchers, funders, policymakers, and industry leaders, offering both an "issue spotter" to identify potential challenges and a "compass" to guide the technology's trajectory.

The Authors of the Nature Publication on Responsible Quantum Technology

The Nature article is a product of deep interdisciplinary expertise, authored by three leading figures at the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology:

Urs Gasser is a distinguished Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he is Dean of the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology. A Fellow at the Stanford RQT Center, he was previously the Executive Director of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. His research focuses on the societal and regulatory implications of emerging technologies, bringing a wealth of experience in technology law and policy.

Eline De Jong is a Dutch philosopher and ethicist serving as a Fellow at the Stanford RQT Center. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Amsterdam, specializing in the philosophy and ethics of quantum technology. Her background includes advising the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy on the societal impact of AI, providing a deep understanding of the co-evolution of technology and society.

Mauritz Kop, the Founding Director of the Stanford RQT Center and the article's senior and corresponding author, is a tech lawyer, policy advisor, and academic whose work focuses on creating sui generis governance frameworks for exponential technologies like AI and quantum. His scholarship, published by leading institutions globally, aims to integrate risk management, regulatory compliance, and safety standards directly into the innovation process.

This collaboration between legal, policy, and ethics scholars underscores the article's central message: ensuring a responsible quantum future requires a concerted, interdisciplinary, and international effort. As the manifesto for the Stanford Center for RQT, Nature’s "A Call for Responsible Quantum Technology" is a foundational text, setting a clear and principled agenda for the global quantum community.

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Academics, Ethics, Governance, Policy, Law, Quantum Technology, Quantum ELSPI, ReguleringMauritz KopNature Physics, Stanford RQT, Harvard, Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, Urs Gasser, Eline de Jong, Mauritz Kop, Law, Ethics, Policy, Governance, Regulation
Princeton University’s Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination’s visits Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology
Princeton University’s Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination’s visits Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology

On Wednesday, January 22, 2024, the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) had the distinct pleasure of hosting a delegation from Princeton University’s Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination (LISD) for a dynamic discussion on transatlantic technology policy at Stanford Law School. The event was marked by great energy and a profound exchange of ideas, reflecting the shared commitment of both institutions to navigating the complex intersection of emerging technology, global governance, and societal values.

Princeton LISD leadership and their talented International Policy Associates at Stanford RQT

As the host of the meeting, Professor Mauritz Kop had the opportunity to welcome the LISD leadership and their talented International Policy Associates. He provided an overview of the mission of the Stanford RQT, explaining our framework for ensuring that quantum technologies are developed and integrated into society in a manner that is safe, ethical, and equitable. This introduction served as a foundation for a rich and meaningful conversation, where the Princeton fellows posed insightful questions. The discussion traversed a wide spectrum of pressing topics, including the challenges of regulating the suite of quantum technologies, the discovery of quantum use cases in healthcare, the complexities of export controls and quantum materials supply chains, and the crucial interface between AI and quantum computing. Furthermore, we explored the application of universal democratic values and culturally sensitive ethics to these new domains, comparing the innovation systems of the US, EU, and China, and considering the potential for technology to drive both scarcity and abundance on a planetary scale.

Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)

The engagement at the RQT was a cornerstone of the LISD delegation's broader visit to Northern California, which included several high-level meetings across Stanford University. The group’s thank-you message noted their "incredibly enriching visit" and the comprehensive nature of their discussions. Their agenda also included conversations with preeminent scholars Professor Francis Fukuyama and Professor Michael McFaul at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), and a meeting with Dean Jon Levin of the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB). According to the delegation, these dialogues covered a range of vital geopolitical issues, from the war in Ukraine and a possible attack on Taiwan to Stanford's pivotal role in innovation, highlighting the "multifaceted impact of technology on democracy." The visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation to connect with Princeton alumni in the region.

Collaborating on global challenges and opportunities presented by quantum technologies

The esteemed LISD delegation was led by its senior leadership, including Sophie Meunier, the Acting Director of LISD and a Senior Research Scholar at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs; Nadia Crisan, the Executive Director of LISD; Jonathan Fredman, a Non-Resident Fellow and former senior leader at the Central Intelligence Agency; and Jana-Alessa Peper, the Institute Assistant who coordinates the IPA program. They were accompanied by the LISD’s International Policy Associates, a cohort of students pursuing careers in foreign policy and international business, who brought a diverse array of academic and professional interests to the discussion.

The dialogue reinforced the critical importance of building bridges between institutions and disciplines. The exchange of perspectives between Stanford’s technology and policy experts and Princeton’s specialists in international affairs and self-determination created a unique and valuable synergy. We extend our sincere thanks to the entire LISD delegation for a stimulating and productive session that has undoubtedly planted the seeds for future collaboration in addressing the global governance challenges and opportunities presented by quantum and other advanced technologies.

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Academics, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Quantum ELSPI, Quantum Technology, Quantum-AI, Stanford RQTMauritz KopPrinceton, Stanford RQT, Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination, Nadia Crisan, Francis Fukuyama, Michael McFaul, Mauritz Kop, Jon Levin
Stanford University Launches Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology
Stanford University Launches Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology

Stanford, CA – December 6, 2023 – Stanford University today announced the launch of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT), a pioneering initiative dedicated to addressing the profound ethical, legal, social, and policy implications of the rapidly advancing field of quantum technologies, including quantum artificial intelligence (QAI). The Center, part of the Stanford Program in Law, Science & Technology (LST) at Stanford Law School (SLS), is believed to be the first academic center of its kind.

Dutch Network for Academics in the USA Semicon, Geopolitics and Shared Values Event

The announcement was made during a distinguished Dutch Network for Academics in the USA event focused on semicon, geopolitics and shared democratic values, presented by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR). The occasion was graced by the presence of outgoing Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Nobel Prize winner and Stanford School of Business Professor Guido Imbens, Stephen Harris Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Mark Brongersma, and William H. Neukom Professor of Law Mark Lemley, who is also the Director of the LST program and serves as the faculty leader of the new Quantum Institute.

Mauritz Kop Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology

Mauritz Kop, who founded and directs the Center and began his tenure as a Transatlantic Technology Law Forum Fellow at Stanford Law School in 2019, highlighted the critical juncture at which the Center is being established. "Quantum technologies—especially in the areas of encryption, computing, and sensors—were rapidly evolving from hypothetical ideas to commercial realities," Kop observed. "Here, I determined, was where the most interesting–and pressing–questions of law and policy lay. Put simply, quantum technology involves the smallest particles in the universe but has the potential to create some of the world’s biggest technological quandaries and opportunities."

Stanford University Library RQT Scholarship Repository of Selected Works: https://purl.stanford.edu/hp536nb5631

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Academics, Quantum Technology, StanfordMauritz KopStanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, Mauritz Kop, Mark Lemley, Guido Imbens, Mark Brongersma, Mark Rutte
Mauritz Kop Judge at 6th Annual Junior Faculty Forum for Law and STEM at Stanford
Mauritz Kop Judge at 6th Annual Junior Faculty Forum for Law and STEM at Stanford

On October 27, 2023, Stanford Law School hosted the 6th Annual Junior Faculty Forum for Law and STEM, a premier event organized and hosted by Professor Mark Lemley that convenes the next generation of leading legal scholars to present and refine their cutting-edge research. The forum, which rotates between Stanford, the University of Pennsylvania, and Northwestern University, provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on the complex legal challenges posed by rapid scientific and technological advancement. Mauritz Kop, a recognized expert in technology law and governance, had the honor of serving as a judge and commentator, contributing to the rigorous intellectual exchange that defines the event.

The forum's mission is to foster the development of early-career academics by providing a supportive yet critical environment for them to receive feedback from senior scholars in their fields. Over two days, junior faculty presented works-in-progress on a diverse array of topics, from the metaverse and quantum computing to medical device regulation and genome governance, showcasing the breadth and depth of contemporary law and STEM scholarship.

The Call for Papers: Fostering Interdisciplinary Law & Technology Scholarship

The selection of presenters for the forum is a rigorous process, initiated by a formal Call for Papers issued by the organizing universities: Northwestern, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford Law School. The call invites junior faculty from any discipline to submit papers on any topic related to the intersection of law and STEM. The goal is to promote interdisciplinary research that explores how developments in STEM are affecting law and vice versa, with a preference for papers that strongly integrate these two fields.

A Rich Tapestry of Emerging Legal Questions

The agenda for the 2023 forum was a testament to the pressing legal and ethical questions emerging from the frontiers of science and technology. The papers presented offered a glimpse into the future of legal scholarship and the complex societal issues that lawmakers, judges, and regulators will face in the coming years.

Among the thought-provoking works discussed were:

  1. "Taxing the Metaverse" by Christine Kim (Cardozo School of Law): This paper tackles the novel challenge of how to apply principles of taxation to the burgeoning virtual economy. Kim argues that economic activity within the metaverse satisfies traditional definitions of income and that failing to tax it would create a new kind of tax haven. The paper explores how the metaverse could serve as a laboratory for modernizing the tax system, potentially overcoming the traditional realization requirement.

  2. "Regulating Medical Device Innovation" by George Horvath (University of Akron School of Law): Horvath reframes the debate around medical device safety, moving beyond the narrow concept of "predicate creep" in the 510(k) clearance process to a broader analysis of "device creep." He makes the counterintuitive argument that properly structured safety regulations can stimulate, rather than stifle, innovation by building a more robust clinical knowledge base.

  3. "Who Owns Children's DNA?" by Nila Bala (UC Davis School of Law): This article addresses the critical and underexplored issue of parental control over children's genetic information. Bala argues that parental consent is an insufficient safeguard against the collection and use of a child's DNA by law enforcement, particularly in the context of direct-to-consumer genetic testing. She proposes moving from a framework of parents-as-owners to parents-as-fiduciaries, drawing on property law principles to protect the child's long-term interests.

  4. "Gene Stewards: Rethinking Genome Governance" by Shelly Simana (Stanford Law School): Simana confronts the exploitative practices of entities that collect and use human genetic material. She proposes a new statutory category of "Gene Stewards," which would impose quasi-fiduciary duties of loyalty and care on these powerful public and private entities, ensuring they act as responsible stewards of this sensitive information.

Reviewing "Privacy in the Quantum Age"

As part of his role, Mauritz Kop, alongside Professor Christopher Yoo of the University of Pennsylvania, served as a commentator for the paper "Privacy in the Quantum Age" by Anat Lior (Yale Law School). Lior's paper addresses the profound privacy implications of quantum computing, particularly its potential to break current encryption standards.

In his review, Kop commended Lior for her courage in tackling such a complex and deeply interdisciplinary subject. He emphasized the need for legal scholars entering this domain to achieve a high level of "quantum literacy" to engage credibly with both the technology's promise and its perils. He offered several pieces of constructive feedback aimed at strengthening the paper's impact and scholarly contribution.

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Academics, Conference, Quantum Technology, StanfordMauritz KopJunior Faculty, Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, Pritzker, Quantum Governance, STEM, Judge, Commentator, Mark Lemley, Mauritz Kop, Scholarship, Anat Lior, Christopher Yoo
SandboxAQ Invites Mauritz Kop to Give RQT Lecture and Workshop
SandboxAQ Invites Mauritz Kop to Give RQT Lecture and Workshop

On October 25, 2023, SandboxAQ hosted Mauritz Kop, visiting ‘quantum and law’ scholar at Stanford University, for a lecture and interactive workshop focused on the principles of Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT). The opportunity to engage with a leading enterprise at the intersection of artificial intelligence and quantum science was both timely and imperative. The dialogue that unfolded underscored the critical importance of embedding ethical, legal, and societal considerations into the fabric of quantum innovation from its outset.

Appreciation was extended to the SandboxAQ team for organizing this important event, particularly Marianna Bonanome, PhD, Head of External Education Programs; Kayla Quinnies, PhD, Residency Program Manager; Nina Bindel; Amro Imam, and Vice-President Fernando Dominguez Pinuaga. Their commitment to fostering a culture of responsible development is a testament to the company's forward-thinking leadership.

The SandboxAQ Mission: An Intersection of AI and Quantum

To fully appreciate the context of the discussion, it is useful to understand the unique position SandboxAQ occupies in the technology landscape. The company, which began as an independent research group within Alphabet Inc. and officially launched as a standalone company in 2022, is built on the convergence of AI and quantum technologies, an area they term 'AQ'. This strategic focus allows them to develop commercially viable, enterprise-scale solutions today, without dependency on the eventual arrival of fault-tolerant quantum computers.

Led by CEO Jack D. Hidary, SandboxAQ directs its efforts toward solving complex challenges across several key domains:

Simulation & Optimization: Accelerating the discovery of new medicines and materials by simulating molecular interactions, with applications in life sciences, chemicals, and finance.

Quantum Security: Providing solutions for the transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), a critical undertaking for protecting sensitive, long-lifespan data from the future threat of cryptanalytically relevant quantum computers. The company emphasizes that "Store Now, Decrypt Later" attacks are an immediate concern, necessitating urgent action.

Quantum Sensing: Leveraging the inherent sensitivity of quantum systems to develop novel sensors for applications in medical imaging, navigation, and material science.

A cornerstone of the company's ethos is its Education (EDU) division. With a charter "To educate the world on AQ so any person or institution can participate in and develop technology to impact the world in positive ways," the EDU team focuses on growing the AQ market, building a diverse talent pipeline, and instilling a culture of ethical and responsible innovation. This commitment to education and responsibility provided a fertile ground for the dialogue on the governance of quantum technologies.

Laying the Foundation: From Quantum-ELSPI to Responsible Quantum Technology

The central theme of the lecture was the proactive governance of quantum technology. The potential for this suite of technologies to be transformative—impacting everything from global security and economic stability to fundamental scientific research—demands a departure from the reactive regulatory postures that have characterized previous technological waves.

The starting point was the concept of Quantum-ELSPI, which refers to the interconnected Ethical, Legal, Socio-economic, and Policy Implications of quantum technologies. This framework serves two purposes: normatively, it acts as a metaparadigm for guiding development; descriptively, it establishes a broad, interdisciplinary research agenda. By examining the successes and failures in the governance of AI, nanotechnology, nuclear, and biotechnology, valuable lessons can be derived for the quantum era.

From this foundation, the concept of Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) was introduced. This is a comprehensive framework developed by a transatlantic, interdisciplinary team of scholars from institutions including Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge, led by Stanford Law School’s Mauritz Kop. RQT integrates Quantum-ELSPI considerations with the established dimensions of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI): anticipation, inclusion, reflection, and responsiveness. Its objective is to ensure that quantum research and innovation efforts are aligned with societal needs and enhance planetary welfare, deliberately steering development toward beneficial outcomes while the technology is still malleable.

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Academics, Conference, Stanford RQT, TeachingMauritz KopSandboxAQ, Quantum, Stanford RQT, Governance, Marianna Bonanome, Kayla Quinnies, Nina Bindel, Amro Imam, Fernando Dominguez Pinuaga, Google, Alphabet, Lecture, Mauritz Kop
Mauritz Kop Fellow at Inter-CeBIL Harvard Cambridge Copenhagen
Mauritz Kop Fellow at Inter-CeBIL Harvard Cambridge Copenhagen

Harvard-Cambridge-Copenhagen, Sept 15, 2023 — Mauritz Kop has accepted a position as an Inter-CeBIL Fellow at the prestigious Novo Nordisk Foundation Copenhagen-Cambridge-Harvard Inter-CeBIL Programme for International Collaborative Bioscience Innovation & Law. In this role, Kop will focus his research on Advanced Medical Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Technologies within the life sciences ecosystem.

About the Inter-CeBIL Programme

The Inter-CeBIL Programme is a world-leading research hub dedicated to identifying and tackling the most significant legal and regulatory barriers to health and life science innovation. The initiative fosters robust knowledge networks to provide tailored legal and regulatory support to patients, researchers, businesses, and incubators, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that health and life science innovations can safely and effectively reach patients and markets.

This international collaboration brings together top-tier academic institutions to drive progress in healthcare and biotechnology. The program is a joint effort between the Centre for Advanced Studies in Bioscience Innovation Law (CeBIL) at the University of Copenhagen, the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School, and the University of Cambridge, among other key partners. The program is led by a distinguished team, including Professor Timo Minssen as the Founding Director of CeBIL at the University of Copenhagen, Professor I. Glenn Cohen who leads Harvard Law School’s contribution, and Professor Mateo Aboy who leads the Cambridge part.

Key Research Areas

The Inter-CeBIL Programme centers its research on three key "grand challenges":

1. Advanced Medical Computing: Focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Technologies (QT).

2. Pandemic Preparedness & Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR).

3. Sustainable Innovation & Biosolutions: Encompassing eco-systems, drug R&D, drug regulation, and data infrastructures.

Focus on Key Area 1: Advanced Medical Computing, AI & Quantum Technology

This key research area addresses the increasingly critical role of advanced computing in the life sciences and medical sectors. Algorithms are becoming fundamental building blocks in a wide range of medical devices, digital health technologies (DHTs), and drug discovery tools (DDTs). The use of advanced computing, including AI/ML and quantum computing (QC), holds immense potential benefits for the life sciences, drug discovery, and medical sectors. These advancements also raise significant legal, ethical, governance, and regulatory issues that the program aims to address.

In his capacity as an Inter-CeBIL Fellow, Mauritz Kop will contribute his deep expertise in quantum-AI, its governance, and its legal-ethical implications to this key research area, helping to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities presented by these cutting-edge technologies.

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Academics, Healthcare, Stanford RQT, University, Quantum-AI, Quantum Technology, Quantum ComputingMauritz KopInter-CeBIL, University of Copenhagen, Harvard Law School, Cambridge University, Fellowship, Quantum-AI, Medicine, Healthcare, Governance, Regulation, Law, Ethics, Policy, Mauritz Kop
Stanford Responsible Quantum Technology Conference 2023
Stanford Responsible Quantum Technology Conference 2023

Stanford, CA – May 22, 2023 – The 21st century is undeniably the Quantum Age, and on May 22, 2023, Stanford University hosted the inaugural Stanford Responsible Quantum Technology Conference at the iconic Paul Brest Hall, Stanford Law School. This landmark annual event, themed "Quantum-ELSPI" for its first iteration, brought together the global quantum community to explore the multifaceted ethical, legal, socio-economic, and policy implications (ELSPI) of this transformative field.

The conference was designed as a unique confluence of quantum physics, law, and art, aiming to discuss informed suggestions on how to balance maximizing the benefits and mitigating the risks of applied quantum technology. It covered state-of-the-art quantum computing, sensing, simulation, communication, materials, and quantum-classical hybrids, all within diverse multidisciplinary settings and taking a pro-innovation stance.

A Day of Interdisciplinary Exploration and Artistic Inspiration

The day was marked by deeply interdisciplinary presentations and an elegant intellectual atmosphere, uniquely punctuated by live musical interludes featuring works by Mozart, Schönberg, and Chopin, and opera arias by Handel, Liszt, and Gounod. Attendees also witnessed interactive quantum physics experiments, including demonstrations of quantum sensing and interferometry, designed to make the counter-intuitive quantum world more accessible.

The program began with Opening Remarks by Mauritz Kop of Stanford University, AIRecht.nl, and Daiki. This set the stage for a day of profound discussions.

What Responsible Quantum Technology & Innovation Entails

As attendees experienced, the conference provided an illuminating platform for discussing the state-of-the-art in quantum science, governance tipping points, risk-benefit analyses, intellectual property, societal impact assessments, and the myriad exciting novel use cases being developed. The discussions on what Responsible Quantum Technology & Innovation truly entails in diverse, multidisciplinary, and intergenerational settings were a highlight for all participants.

Mauritz Kop offered closing remarks, and the day concluded with a reception, further fostering the sense of community and shared purpose.

Deep gratitude was extended to all the speakers, moderators, musicians (Ireh Kim, Jin-Hee Catherine Lee, Zoe Logan Schramm, Katie Liu, Daniel Changxiao Sun, and Mauritz Kop), and physicists (Franz Inthisone Pfanner, Daniel Changxiao Sun) who contributed to the success of this inaugural event. Special thanks were also conveyed to Professor Mark Lemley and the team at Stanford Law School for making this memorable conference a reality.

The Stanford Responsible Quantum Technology Conference has set a high bar for future discussions, and the quantum community eagerly anticipates Stanford RQT 2.0.

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Academics, Stanford, Conference, Quantum ELSPI, Quantum TechnologyMauritz KopStanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, Mauritz Kop, Mark Lemley, Urs Gasser, Eline De Jong, I. Glenn Cohen, Chris Hoofnagle, Charina Chou, Joshua Walker, Hank Greely, Chris Demchak, Aubrey Davis, Elija Perrier, Florian Neukart, Jin-hee Lee, Katie Liu, Daniel Sun, Franz Pfanner, Alexandra Waldherr, Tait Graves, Jeff Welser
Fortune Publication: How to Prevent Quantum-A.I. Hybrids from Taking Over the World
Fortune Publication: How to Prevent Quantum-A.I. Hybrids from Taking Over the World

Palo Alto, May 16, 2023—We are delighted to share our new Fortune piece titled "How to prevent quantum-A.I. hybrids from taking over the world," that showcases our Stanford-led research on Responsible Quantum Technology! The 21st century is rapidly becoming the Quantum Age. While the full realization of general-purpose quantum computers is still on the horizon, the emergence of hybrid systems that combine quantum phenomena with classical hardware is already a reality, making its way into both domestic and international markets. This convergence of quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI) promises to unlock unprecedented advancements across various fields, but it also presents a host of complex geopolitical and grand strategy challenges that demand our immediate attention. As we stand on the precipice of this technological revolution, it is imperative that we proceed with a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring that these powerful tools are developed and deployed in a manner that aligns with our most cherished societal values.

Critical Quantum Insights for a Business Audience

The article, "How to prevent quantum-A.I. hybrids from taking over the world," published in Fortune on May 16, 2023, delves into the profound implications of this technological convergence, offering critical quantum insights for a business audience. It highlights the stark contrast between the development of quantum technology (QT) in liberal democracies, where adherence to fundamental human rights and democratic values is paramount, and its potential applications in autocratic regimes that may wield it for more nefarious purposes. The piece underscores the existential importance of international collaboration, not only on pressing global issues like climate change and inequality but also in the race for technological dominance, where the preservation of freedom and democratic principles hangs in the balance. As quantum-AI hybrids become increasingly prevalent, the authors argue that business and government leaders must engage with experts and the public to establish robust ethical standards, accountability mechanisms, and responsible technology frameworks to actively foster a competitive, values-based quantum-AI ecosystem.

In 2022, Kop & Wadhwa wrote a Foreign Policy paper titled ‘Why Quantum Computing Is Even More Dangerous Than Artificial Intelligence’, see: https://airecht.nl/blog/2022/why-quantum-computing-is-even-more-dangerous-than-artificial-intelligence-foreign-policy

The Dawn of the Quantum-AI Era: Navigating Opportunities and Risks

At the heart of this discourse is the recognition that any major technological advance inevitably raises critical questions of justice, benefit, and risk. The sheer scale and rapid pace of QT-enabled advancements, coupled with their counterintuitive nature, make these considerations all the more urgent. The potential applications are vast and transformative, ranging from quantum chemistry and drug design to logistical optimization and clean energy. However, the threats are equally significant, with the most widely understood being the imminent danger that quantum computing poses to our current cybersecurity infrastructure and data privacy.

In response to these challenges, a global conversation is underway among stakeholders to find a delicate balance between harnessing the benefits of QT and mitigating its risks. Many are turning to the established principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), which emphasize the importance of responsiveness, inclusivity, reflexivity, and anticipation. RRI posits that scientific and technological breakthroughs should be guided not only by scientific brilliance and economic incentives but also by social norms, ethical values, environmental sustainability, and public engagement. This approach encourages the integration of societal concerns throughout the entire innovation lifecycle, from the initial stages of research and development to the eventual distribution and use of new technologies.

A Framework for Responsible Quantum Innovation: The RQT Approach

Building upon this foundation, a Stanford-led interdisciplinary research group, comprising scholars from law, data science, theoretical physics, philosophy, ethics, social sciences, materials science, and innovation policy, has conceptualized a novel framework known as Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT). This framework is designed to proactively steward the development of QT toward equitable outcomes, mitigate potential risks, and foster an interdisciplinary approach to research and development. RQT embeds the key principles of RRI alongside a comprehensive consideration of the ethical, legal, socio-economic, and policy implications, collectively referred to as Quantum-ELSPI. The ultimate goal of RQT is to ensure that research and innovation efforts are aligned with societal expectations and contribute to the enhancement of planetary welfare.

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Academics, Quantum ELSPI, Quantum Technology, Quantum-AI, Stanford RQTMauritz KopFortune, Quantum, AI, Governance, Business, Stanford RQT, Harvard, Quantum-ELSPI, RRI, Vivek Wadhwa, Mauritz Kop