Quantum software is a key enabler for the revolutionary applications promised by Quantum Computing (QC), a field poised to transform industries and attract significant investment. However, quantum software engineering (QSE) faces unique ethical challenges that must be addressed early to ensure responsible and equitable development. This vision paper explores the role of ethics and specifically diversity and inclusion (D&I) considerations in QSE, emphasising the importance of embedding these principles throughout the quantum software lifecycle. Neglecting D&I could lead to power imbalances, algorithmic biases, and limited innovation, ultimately hindering QC's potential to benefit society equitably. By drawing lessons from classical software and artificial intelligence, we discuss our vision for integrating D&I into QSE, for a more transparent, fair, and accountable future for quantum technologies. This paper aims to initiate discussion within the research community and lay the foundation for the ethical development of quantum software that promotes social equity.

翻译：量子软件是实现量子计算（QC）所承诺的革命性应用的关键推动者，该领域有望变革行业并吸引大量投资。然而，量子软件工程（QSE）面临着独特的伦理挑战，必须尽早解决以确保负责任和公平的发展。本愿景论文探讨了伦理，特别是多样性与包容性（D&I）考量在QSE中的作用，强调将这些原则嵌入量子软件全生命周期的重要性。忽视D&I可能导致权力失衡、算法偏见和创新受限，最终阻碍QC公平惠及社会的潜力。通过借鉴经典软件和人工智能领域的经验，我们阐述了将D&I融入QSE的愿景，以期实现更透明、公平和可问责的量子技术未来。本文旨在启动研究社区内的讨论，并为促进社会公平的量子软件伦理发展奠定基础。