Quantum Computing in Data Science and STEM Education: Mapping Academic Trends and Analyzing Practical Tools

López-Meneses, Eloy; Cáceres-Tello, Jesús; Galán-Hernández, José Javier; López-Catalán, Luis

doi:10.3390/computers14060235

Open AccessArticle

Quantum Computing in Data Science and STEM Education: Mapping Academic Trends and Analyzing Practical Tools

by

Eloy López-Meneses

^1,*

,

Jesús Cáceres-Tello

^2,*

,

José Javier Galán-Hernández

³

and

Luis López-Catalán

¹

Department of Education and Social Psychology, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Sevilla, Spain

²

Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain

³

Faculty of Statistical Studies, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain

^*

Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Computers 2025, 14(6), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14060235

Submission received: 10 May 2025 / Revised: 6 June 2025 / Accepted: 11 June 2025 / Published: 16 June 2025

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Data Mining: Methods, Trends, and Emerging Applications)

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Abstract

Quantum computing is emerging as a key enabler of digital transformation in data science and STEM education. This study investigates how quantum computing can be meaningfully integrated into higher education by combining a dual approach: a structured assessment of the specialized literature and a practical evaluation of educational tools. First, a science mapping study based on 281 peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus (2015–2024) identifies growth trends, thematic clusters, and international collaboration networks at the intersection of quantum computing, data science, and education. Second, a comparative analysis of widely used educational platforms—such as Qiskit, Quantum Inspire, QuTiP, and Amazon Braket—is conducted using pedagogical criteria including accessibility, usability, and curriculum integration. The results highlight a growing convergence between quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and data-driven learning. A strategic framework and roadmap are proposed to support the gradual and scalable adoption of quantum literacy in university-level STEM programs.

Keywords: quantum computing; STEM education; higher education; science mapping; quantum educational tools; curriculum innovation; VOSviewer; quantum technologies

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MDPI and ACS Style

López-Meneses, E.; Cáceres-Tello, J.; Galán-Hernández, J.J.; López-Catalán, L. Quantum Computing in Data Science and STEM Education: Mapping Academic Trends and Analyzing Practical Tools. Computers 2025, 14, 235. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14060235

AMA Style

López-Meneses E, Cáceres-Tello J, Galán-Hernández JJ, López-Catalán L. Quantum Computing in Data Science and STEM Education: Mapping Academic Trends and Analyzing Practical Tools. Computers. 2025; 14(6):235. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14060235

Chicago/Turabian Style

López-Meneses, Eloy, Jesús Cáceres-Tello, José Javier Galán-Hernández, and Luis López-Catalán. 2025. "Quantum Computing in Data Science and STEM Education: Mapping Academic Trends and Analyzing Practical Tools" Computers 14, no. 6: 235. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14060235

APA Style

López-Meneses, E., Cáceres-Tello, J., Galán-Hernández, J. J., & López-Catalán, L. (2025). Quantum Computing in Data Science and STEM Education: Mapping Academic Trends and Analyzing Practical Tools. Computers, 14(6), 235. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14060235

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

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Quantum Computing in Data Science and STEM Education: Mapping Academic Trends and Analyzing Practical Tools

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