Quantum Earth Science and Technology
Mission
The Quantum Earth Science and Technology Technical Committee (QUEST TC) promotes the knowledge and application of quantum-based methods and solutions in geosciences and remote sensing. The committee focuses on both current advances and emerging frontiers in the quantum domain, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration within the broader scientific and technological communities.
Organization
The QUEST Technical Committee encourages participation from all its members. The committee organization includes a Chair, two Co-Chairs, and two Working Groups (WGs), each with a WG Lead.
QUEST Technical Committee Chair
 | Gabriele Cavallaro University of Iceland and Forschungszentrum Jülich gcavallaro@hi.is |
QUEST Technical Committee Chair Co-Chair
 | Upendra N. Singh NASA Technical Fellow for Sensors and Instrumentation, NASA Langley Research Center upendra.n.singh@nasa.gov |
 | Artur Miroszewski |
Quantum Sensing for Earth Observation Working Group (QS4EO WG) Lead
 | Jan Rudolph Stanford University jan.rudolph@stanford.edu |
Quantum Sensing for Earth Observation Working Group (QS4EO WG) Lead Co-Lead
 | Aaron Strangfeld European Space Agency Aaron.Strangfeld@esa.int |
 | David Gozzard The University of Western Australia david.gozzard@uwa.edu.au |
Quantum Computing for Earth Observation Working Group (QC4EO WG) Lead
 | Alessandro Sebastianelli Φ-lab European Space Agency Alessandro.Sebastianelli@esa.int |
Quantum Computing for Earth Observation Working Group (QC4EO WG) Co-Lead
 | Francesco Mauro University of Sannio f.mauro@ieee.org |
 | Amer Delilbasic University of Iceland and Forschungszentrum Jülich a.delilbasic@fz-juelich.de |
News
The QC4EO WG will contribute to the ESI/HDCRS High Performance and Disruptive Computing in Remote Sensing School (3-6 June 2025, Santiago de Compostela, Spain) with a full-day lecture on Quantum Computing in Remote Sensing and Earth Observation (see more information at www.hdc-rs.com ).
QUEST TC will organize a Workshop on Quantum Computing for Earth and Space Applications in fall 2025. More information will be provided by August.
GRSS Quantum Earth Science and Technology Technical Committee (QUEST TC) co-organized events and conference contributions
Focus Areas
Quantum Sensing for Earth Observation
Precision navigation and timing
Attitude determination for EO satellites
Gravimetry and gravity gradiometry
Electromagnetic field sensing
Quantum magnetometry
Use of entangled photons for advanced imaging applications
Quantum Computing for Earth Observation
Computational performance improvements (quantum algorithms for accelerating remote sensing data analysis and large-scale simulations)
Solution quality enhancements (quantum-based optimization and machine learning techniques for EO applications)
The mission of QS4EO
Quantum sensing harnesses the unique quantum properties of matter and light to achieve unparalleled measurement precision. This capability arises from the manipulation of individual quantum systems and the exploitation of phenomena such as quantized energy levels, entanglement, and superposition. Recent advancements have been driven by our growing ability to prepare and control quantum systems using innovative laser, microwave, atomic physics, and integration technologies. While these tools remain essential for further development, a key challenge now lies in identifying practical applications and co-developing tailored quantum sensing solutions in collaboration with users. Quantum-enhanced methodologies are highly diverse, with potential across a wide range of fields, including precision navigation and timing, attitude determination, gravimetry and gravity gradiometry, electromagnetic field sensing and communication. The Quantum Sensing for Earth Observation Working Group (QS4EO WG) promotes research and development initiatives aimed at fostering the adoption of quantum sensing technologies within the geoscience and remote sensing communities.
Current membership (coming soon)
Contact
You can contact the Committee Chairs by email at
grss-quest@ieee.org
Membership in the ESI Technical Committee is open to anyone interested in issues related to earth science informatics. IEEE Geoscience and Remote Society membership is encouraged, but not required to join the QUEST Technical Committee. Join the QUEST Technical Committee!
