Prof. Hans Bachor AM FAA is Professor Emeritus at the Australian National University 

 

Trust is a core value in science. Trust in data, analysis, concepts, models is achieved in physics by open publishing, scientific discourse, testing, repeating experiments, asking critical questions and designing new tests. Fortunately science is self-correcting in the long term. 

 

Hype is a tool for advocating research and funding. Frequently it includes predictions which sensationalise scientific discoveries and exaggerate the future impact. Increasing competition for funding, visibility or job security can make hype more attractive. But it also erodes trust in science by the public and investors and can have negative social effects on us, the researchers. 

 

Let’s have a look at Q-technology:  Is hype frequent, of concern, useful ? Can it be avoided?