Does the use of metaphors improve comprehension of, and shape attitudes toward, quantum technology? We want to congratulate Aletta Meinsma and Gudrun Reijnierse on their recent publication on this question in Metaphor and the Social World.

From September till November 2023, Aletta Meinsma (PhD researcher Quantum & Society, Leiden University) was visiting researcher at the Network Institute, working with Gudrun Reijnierse (Assistant Professor Language & Communication, VU) on their project “Engaging audiences in conversations about quantum science and technology through metaphor“.

This has resulted in the Open Acces publication of the paper “Like a coin spinning in the air: the effect of (non-)metaphorical explanations on comprehension and attitudes towards quantum technology.” in Metaphor and the Social World earlier this year. Find the article here: https://doi.org/10.1075/msw.25018.mei

Communications wrote a news article about their work, which was mentioned in this week’s VU-zine: Quantum phenomena explained: do metaphors contribute to understanding? – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.