[Air-L] CfP Topical Collection "Untangling the Quantum Ecology" in Digital Society journal

[Stefano Calzati]

Dear all,

Please find below the CfP for the Topical Collection Untangling the Quantum Ecology: Charting the Impact of Quantum Theory and Quantum Technologies on Technoscience and the Digital Transformation, guest-edited by Dr Stefano Calzati (Joint Research Centre, Brussels) and Prof. Robert Braun (Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna) in the journal Digital Society.

https://link.springer.com/collections/hafcjjejbd

CfP snippet: "This proposed topical collection (TC) aims to shape a novel dialogue at the intersection of Critical Data Studies (CDS), Science and Technology Studies (STS), and societal-oriented readings of quantum mechanics’ interpretations. Our point of departure is that analyses of the social are tacitly grounded in a Newtonian interpretation of the physical (Braun 2024). Challenging onto-epistemic frameworks, including those of science, data and datafication practices, need to investigate alternative imaginaries (Jasanoff & Kim, 2015) in order to better understand the co-constitution of scientific, technical, human, and biotic relations of ruling and mundane performances of the everyday (Smith 2001).

In this issue, we experiment with the notion of 'quantum ecology' (Calzati & de Kerckhove 2024) intended as both an onto-epistemological framework – drawing on principles and phenomena of quantum physics such as uncertainty, decoherence, nonlocality, entanglement, complementarity, discreteness – and a disruptive technological paradigm shaped by quantum technologies (QTs) , whose impact has profound implications for the digital transformation, including Artificial Intelligence.

On the one hand, quantum theory can provide a refreshing standpoint from which to re-examine and extend the critique of big data, computing analytics, and digital practices towards the reworking of their onto-epistemological assumptions, which remain rooted in “classical” worldviews. Hence, a space opens for a critical reframing of technoscientific practices and the sociotechnical effects of the digital transformation, which challenges, among others, objectivism, binarism, and networkedness, , advancing alternative ways to think, represent, and enact physical, social, scientific, and digital worldmakings, their spaces and temporalities, as well as individual and collective governmentalities.

On the other hand, the consolidation of the quantum technological paradigm, comprising of both already existing “quantum sensing technologies” and fast-developing “quantum information technologies”, is converging with the development of AI, bringing to the fore new sociotechnical tensions, potentialities, and threats, which warrant further exploration. Here the focus is especially on quantum theory and QTs’ innervation with and disruption of the digital transformation, especially its narratives, imaginaries, and generativity."


We weclcome research articles (8000 words) or commentaries (3000 words), which can be sent until the 30th of September 2026 via Editorial Manager (https://www.editorialmanager.com/diso) by selecting "TC-Quantum Ecology". Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and, if accepted, published as soon as they are ready.

I believe the call will appeal to quite a few people in here. Feel free also to share with whoever might be interested.

All best

Dr Stefano Calzati
Centre for Advanced Studies
Joint Research Centre, European Commission
Brussels