Gustavo Martini Dalpian and Henrique Ferreira Discuss the Impact of Quantum Physics on the Future of Engineering


We are on the verge of a new technological era driven by Quantum Physics, marked by a century of fascinating discoveries and its impact on the transformation of modern engineering. The article titled "Quantum Engineering," authored by Gustavo Martini Dalpian — full professor at the Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo (USP) — and Henrique Ferreira — Information Engineer and interdisciplinary researcher — explores how quantum science has been shaping the technological future, from controlling fundamental phenomena to the emergence of advanced devices.

In 2025, we celebrate the centenary of Quantum Physics: a hundred years of incredible discoveries that have fascinated and impressed physicists from various generations, and whose possibilities are far from being exhausted. While the initial knowledge of this discipline enabled the control of nuclear energy and the construction of semiconductor-based transistors, a new wave of technologies has emerged, sparking the concept of a Quantum Engineering era. Ultra-precise sensors, information transmission through unbreachable communication protocols, and computers capable of factoring numbers faster than traditional machines are some examples of technologies being explored by this new engineering field.

At the invitation of the National Academy of Engineering, we discuss in this article how basic science is in complete synergy with engineering and how, throughout history, different subfields of physics have given rise to specific engineering disciplines, with Quantum Engineering being the most recent example. In this context, we emphasize the importance of teaching basic science, particularly Quantum Physics, to future engineers, not only to ensure professionals capable of understanding the phenomena behind the devices, but also those who can propose and create new devices.