RIKEN Wako Science Camp 2025 — High School Students Challenged the Violation of Bell’s Inequality with a Quantum Computer

Sixteen high school students selected from across Japan gathered at RIKEN Wako Campus to participate in the "RIKEN Wako Science Camp 2025." Divided into three courses based on their applications, the students joined one of the following research units: Inter-Individual Brain Dynamics Collaboration Unit (CBS), Molecular Ligand Target Research Team (CSRS), and RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS). Over the four-day program held from July 28 to 31, 2025, they experienced cutting-edge science and technology in an immersive camp-style setting.

At iTHEMS, Masazumi Honda and Ryo Namba led Course C: "Exploring the Quantum World – Observing the Violation of Bell’s Inequality on a Quantum Computer." In this course, students used an actual cloud-based quantum computer provided by IBM Quantum to investigate and experimentally verify the violation of Bell’s inequality, which demonstrates the fundamental departure of quantum theory from classical physics.

The students showed remarkable enthusiasm and drive. Despite the fact that the topic went far beyond the scope of high school-level mathematics and physics, they not only implemented the necessary programs on the quantum computer to verify the violation of Bell’s inequality, but also developed their own original methods, impressing the researchers in charge.

In addition to the hands-on activities, the students toured RIKEN’s in-house quantum computer "A" and supercomputer "HOKUSAI," experienced "A" through VR, and visited exhibitions at the Nishina Center. While deepening friendships with like-minded peers, they also interacted informally with other researchers at iTHEMS over lunch and coffee breaks, gaining firsthand insight into the life of a real scientist — sparking reflections on their own future paths.

The four-day program concluded by the students' presentations on what they had learned and experienced during the camp in front of fellow students and instructors, as well as RIKEN's president and executive directors, on the final day. RIKEN Wako Science Camp is an annual program by RIKEN for high school students, traditionally focused on experimental sciences. This year marked the first time a theoretical course was offered, with iTHEMS researchers taking on the role of instructors.