The Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) provides an extensive array of Fellowships, enabling exceptional researchers at any stage in their career to delve into diverse RQT related topics, produce pioneering scholarship, and manage their own Projects. In addition to workshops and seminars, the Center organizes its annual RQT Conference to facilitate interaction and collaboration between RQT Fellows, faculty and thought leaders across a rich variety of disciplines.
In this Q&A, Dr. Min-Ha Lee, now his in first year as RQT Fellow, breaks down what lead him to his journey to Stanford RQT and to the field of Understanding Critical Raw Materials Supply Chains in Quantum Technologies, and details the latest research findings of his RQT Project, named the Quantum Criticality Index (QCI).
How did you become interested in Critical Raw Materials Supply Chains in Quantum Technologies?
I have been actively engaged in research on critical raw materials (CRMs) and supply chains since 2010. I am Principle Researcher & Metallurgist at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), and Professor at the University of Science and Technology (UST) of South-Korea.
While the issue of CRMs is widely addressed in mainstream industries such as semiconductors, batteries, and automobiles, it has garnered relatively little attention in advanced technologies like AI and Quantum computing. My initial focus on this matter pertains to Quantum technology, where I propose to explore the incorporation of CRMs and the optimization of associated supply chains.
What drew you to responsible quantum technologies in particular? Was there someone or something that inspired you to pursue this field?
When observing the trajectory of advancements in AI, I anticipate that Quantum technology will emerge as the next critical frontier. However, our readiness to embrace this new field appears to be lacking. I am keen to leverage my experience to advocate for the responsible and effective utilization of Quantum technology.
You’re currently working on a Project that focuses on Quantum Criticality Index. Can you explain what that means and who this work targets?
Our QCI Project at the Stanford Center for RQT intends to develop and apply a data-based analytic methodology, focused on discovering vulnerabilities in Critical Raw Materials supply chains. Utilizing cutting edge computational informatics analysis techniques such as machine learning and artificial neural networks (ANNs), the Quantum Criticality Index allows us to understand and anticipate potential risks in the progress of quantum technologies. We implement a data-driven methodology to address the vulnerabilities of quantum technologies in supply chains and CRMs, and consider how existing choke points may pose future security risks vis a vis developing, manufacturing, and adopting quantum computers and sensors at scale.
Could you elaborate on the concept of QCI that you introduce in your research? How does it differ from traditional perspectives in evidence-based AI and QT governance?
In evaluating Critical Raw Materials and supply chains within other sectors, various methodologies exist. The significant difference between traditional methods and my Quantum Criticality Index lies in the approach to analysis supervision. Conventional methods typically rely on rule-based supervised methodologies governed by physical modelling equations. In contrast, QCI employs an unsupervised methodology driven by AI through machine learning. This marks a pioneering attempt to merge AI and Quantum technology to achieve analytical insights.
Your methodological approach involves using machine learning to measure criticality of parameters. Can you delve into the challenges and advantages of employing this approach?
The QCI represents a combined index among techno-political parameters. For instance, since CRMs are tracked internationally through the world trade market, this index introduces a quantitative measure of risks in resource markets, inter alia categorized into critical market verticals such as Defence, Healthcare, Agriculture, Energy, Transportation and regional sectors: geopolitics, environment, and responsibility. The QCI is a dynamic effort that requires up to date datasets. It can be measured and computed by combining resource price increase rates and volatility for each quarter. This allows us to describe a more realistically representative and forecastable index to monitor resource fluctuations. Ultimately, this methodology represents a reliable guideline for designing new, secure platforms for QTs, taking into account potential risks pertaining to Critical Raw Materials Supply Chains.
What are your views on the importance of building bridges between academia, industry, policy, and the general public?
It is both my hope and commitment to formulate a robust Research and Development (R&D) strategy aimed at bolstering scientific and technical capabilities and competency within critical materials and components supply chains. This strategy should work within a quadruple helix of academia, policy makers, industry, and end users. A profound understanding of these supply chains is imperative. By orchestrating collaborative efforts between the private and public sectors, we can ensure the efficient and effective utilization of resources.
The United States requires a multi-faceted strategy that identifies crucial needs for source diversification, as well as strategies for the more efficient utilization and substitution of existing products. This strategy must encompass fundamental scientific research, manufacturing, and considerations of environmental health and safety.
Together with my wonderful colleagues at the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology who work across a slew of disciplines, my plan involves conducting comprehensive research to pinpoint key requirements and fostering the coordination of activities aimed at diversifying sources, enhancing efficiency, promoting recycling, and facilitating substitution for current products. Additionally, I intend to integrate cross-cutting data science techniques, materials science, manufacturing engineering, and computational modeling into these efforts.
This initiative will involve establishing new public-private partnerships and leveraging existing ones to more effectively address the underlying scientific and early-stage applied research challenges. It will also facilitate the validation and verification of new technologies and processes in critical technical areas across the supply chains of critical materials and components. The QCI project will propose strategic recommendations to industry, law and policy makers about how to overcome these economic safety and national security risks. By employing QCI, we aim to identify and secure essential components of Quantum technology applications across various sectors including industry, government, and military. These endeavours align closely with my vision and decades of experience in cultivating collaborative relationships among leading research organizations and government agencies worldwide.
You’ve had opportunities to study and work all over the world, originally from Korea and studying in Korea and US, a professorship at Germany Leibniz Institute and now here at Stanford. Would you say this position has benefited your professional goals? If so, how?
Throughout my career, I have predominantly focused on scientific pursuits. However, I have come to recognize that the responsible and ethical application of technology in the market holds paramount importance compared to its mere development. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish a systematic framework to address the potential impacts of technology before its widespread adoption.
In this regard, Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) stands out as a distinctive approach in handling interdisciplinary issues, including social, geopolitical, and environmental considerations, within the realm of Quantum technology. By integrating these multifaceted perspectives, RTQ endeavors to ensure that the deployment of Quantum technology is not only technically sound but also ethically and socially responsible.
And how did your career choices lead you to the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology?
It is my strong belief that guiding students who are rooted in technology is of great significance. My plan involves instilling in students not only the fundamental engineering knowledge but also a vision for the future—a vision that encompasses traditional sciences as essential pillars forming the foundation of a responsible society.
To achieve this goal, I am dedicated to meeting the educational needs of students aspiring to make an impact both domestically and internationally. This involves conducting research and education essential for practical applications, as well as academic pursuits. Additionally, I actively pursue patent applications and engage in field projects in collaboration with domestic and foreign research institutes and companies.
By adhering to this guiding principle, my aim is to equip students not only with the skills to excel in their respective fields but also with a sense of responsibility to contribute to society in a meaningful way. Rather than simply teaching them how to fish, I endeavor to empower them to develop their own capabilities to serve and benefit others.
In terms of career success so far, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
During my time as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Ames National Laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), I had the honor of being involved in a project that received the prestigious R&D 100 Award in 2007. This award recognizes the top 100 significant technological achievements across all sectors in the United States each year. Working on this project was both fulfilling and enjoyable, and it allowed me to make significant contributions despite being in the typical postdoctoral phase of my career.
Many members of the Stanford Community are multitalented and double/triple educated. What are your hobbies and hidden talents?
Painting has always been a cherished hobby of mine. From a very young age, I was encouraged to pursue art seriously by my elementary school teacher. Throughout my childhood, I consistently won awards in art painting competitions, further fueling my passion for the craft. Although I ultimately chose a different path and pursued other interests during my college years and professional career, painting has remained a constant source of joy and creative expression for me.
What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I personally studied history of Art and my primary area of interest, which I research privately, is evolutionary biology. Additionally, I am contemplating a future project that involves the intersection of DNA research and Quantum Computing.