QUEM SÃO? O QUE FAZEM? POR ONDE ANDAM? Uma análise dos perfis acadêmico e profissional dos doutores que se especializaram no campo das tecnologias quânticas

Abstract

The potential of quantum technologies is gaining relevance in different countries. The United States and China are examples of countries that, concerned with ensuring territorial sovereignty, have developed their own strategies and policies. In Brazil, government officials and other institutional actors are creating the Brazilian Quantum Technologies Initiative as a strategic response to the need to position the country at the forefront of science and technology. This document presents an action plan based on five structuring axes, among which the formation of human capital stands out, with actions to train, attract, and retain talent in the coming years. However, there is a lack of critical studies, based on data and information, that would at least allow an overview of the body of experts in quantum technologies in the country. Therefore, exploratory and documentary research was conducted to map the academic profiles and professional activities of PhD holders who obtained their degrees from Brazilian institutions. The results indicate that most pursued academic careers, with a few working professionally in the business sector or pursuing technological entrepreneurship through consulting. On the other hand, it was also possible to highlight a "brain drain" of PhDs to other countries, a fact that warrants the attention of institutional actors involved in defining policies and programs for quantum technologies.