Imperial has launched an initiative to gather its world-leading experts in quantum science and engineering to develop technologies of the future
Working closely with industry, Imperial College London's QuEST (Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science & Technology) initiative will help ensure discoveries in quantum science become transformative technologies that benefit society.
The new project complements the launch of the UK Government's National Quantum Strategy – a 10-year vision which pledges to cement the UK's leading position in quantum science.
Quantum future
"QuEST comes at a critical time, as the global race in quantum technology R&D gathers pace and the UK seeks to maintain its position as a leader in this sector." Professor Peter Haynes Director of QuEST
From quantum 'compasses' that could allow navigation without satellites, to creating supercomputers, and developing new algorithms for finance, advances in quantum research are accelerating every day and hold the potential to transform life as we know it.
Such discoveries could dramatically improve the technology we use every day, potentially revolutionising major industries including energy, finance and security.
Imperial's track record
The QuEST initiative builds on Imperial's track record of world-leading discovery science in quantum, including a recent recreation of the famous double slit experiment, which showed light behaving as both a particle and a wave, in time rather than space.
"Universities will be a key part of the UK's quantum efforts by pushing the horizons of our scientific knowledge, working with partners to translate ideas into technologies, and providing firm foundations for the start-ups and entrepreneurs of tomorrow." Professor Ian Walmsley Imperial's Provost and Chair in Experimental Physics
It will also supercharge Imperial's history of developing impressive quantum technologies, including creating a quantum sensor for navigation and a large-scale quantum computer.
Professor Peter Haynes, Director of QuEST, said: "QuEST comes at a critical time, as the global race in quantum technology R&D gathers pace and the UK seeks to maintain its position as a leader in this sector."
He explained: "To push forward the boundaries of quantum technology, transdisciplinary efforts are needed involving physics, chemistry, computer science, materials and, increasingly, engineering. With deep expertise across each of these areas, Imperial is well-placed to make a leading contribution. We are focused on making quantum technologies – and the benefits they hold – a reality, by working collaboratively across academia and in close partnership with businesses and policymakers."
Forging collaborations
The initiative will be launched at an event today, with speakers including Professor Peter Haynes, Co-Director of QuEST, Professor Ian Walmsley, Imperial's Provost, and Dr Jessica Wade, Research Fellow in chiral materials in Imperial's Department of Materials.
They will be joined by Lord Hague of Richmond, former Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, who will discuss the global competition taking place in science and technology, as well as Sir Peter Knight Emeritus Professor of Quantum Optics at Imperial, and Dr Carmen Palacios-Berraquero, Co-Founder and CEO of Nu-Quantum.
Professor Ian Walmsley, Imperial's Provost and Chair in Experimental Physics, said: "The UK is already a leader in quantum science and technology. We must now maintain our hard-won advantage and work closely with key partners to create new opportunities in security and business to harness the potential quantum holds."
He stressed: "Universities will be a key part of the UK's quantum efforts by pushing the horizons of our scientific knowledge, working with partners to translate ideas into technologies, and providing firm foundations for the start-ups and entrepreneurs of tomorrow."
