A major new research hub led by UCL and the University of Cambridge aims to harness quantum technology to improve early diagnosis and treatment of disease.
The hub, called Q-BIOMED, is one of five quantum research hubs announced today by Peter Kyle MP, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, supported by £160 million in funding.
The hub aims to exploit advances in quantum sensors capable of detecting cells and molecules, potentially orders of magnitude more sensitively than traditional diagnostic tests.
This includes developing quantum-enhanced blood tests to diagnose infectious diseases and cancer quickly and cheaply using portable instruments, and sensors measuring tiny changes to the magnetic fields in the brain that have the potential to detect early markers of Alzheimer's disease before symptoms occur.
Other research will include quantum-enhanced MRI scans, heart scanners and surgical and treatment interventions for early-stage and hard-to-treat cancers.
Professor Rachel McKendry, Co-Director of the new hub, from the London Centre for Nanotechnology and Division of Medicine at UCL, said: "Q-BIOMED is an exciting new quantum research hub, bringing together two areas of science in which the UK is world leading - quantum and biomedicine - and positions us at the global forefront of this exciting new field.
"Our hub aims to grow a new quantum for health innovation ecosystem in the UK, and has already shaped the UK's new Quantum Mission for Health. Our long-term vision is to accelerate the entire innovation pipeline from discovery research, to translation, adoption and implementation within the NHS and global health systems, for the benefit of patients and societal good.
"Earlier diagnosis of diseases such as cancer would unlock a paradigm shift in health, allowing for more rapid access to life-saving treatments and better health outcomes. More rapid, sensitive and accessible diagnostics tests could also help to reduce waiting lists, easing pressures on the NHS."
Co-Director Professor Mete Atatüre, from the University of Cambridge, said: "Quantum technologies harness quantum physics to achieve a functionality or a performance which is otherwise unattainable, deriving from science which cannot be explained by classical physics.
"Q-BIOMED will be delivered by an outstanding team of researchers from academia, the NHS, charities, government and industry to exploit quantum-enhanced advances for human health and societal good."
The five newly announced hubs are delivered by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), with a £106 million investment from EPSRC, the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Research Council, UKRI Medical Research Council, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Added to this are contributions from industry and other partners worth more than £54 million.
Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: "We want to see a future where cutting-edge science improves everyday lives. That is the vision behind our investment in these new quantum technology hubs, by supporting the deployment of technology that will mean faster diagnoses for diseases, critical infrastructure safe from hostile threats and cleaner energy for us all.
"This isn't just about research; it's about putting that research to work. These hubs will bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and practical solutions. They will not only transform sectors like healthcare and security, but also create a culture of accelerated innovation that helps to grow our economy."
The Q-BIOMED hub brings together researchers from UCL and Cambridge, Oxford, Warwick Cardiff, and Heriot Watt universities, as well as NHS trusts, industry partners and charities.
At UCL alone, the hub involves a wide range of disciplines, with quantum experts, physicists and chemists working with biomedical researchers, cardiologists, healthcare engineers and neuroscientists, from the Faculties of UCL Medical Sciences, UCL Mathematical & Physical Sciences, UCL Engineering, UCL Brain Sciences and UCL Population Health Sciences.
Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), said: "We are delighted to congratulate Professor Rachel McKendry on her leadership of this hub, which is pivotal to the emerging field of quantum for health, and to the whole team for this amazing achievement.
"UCL is home to the largest biomedical cluster in Europe, and are growing our strengths in quantum for health, through new academic appointments, studentships and collaborations with our partner hospitals."
The hub's four core flagship programmes are:
- Biomedical imaging: Quantum sensors measuring tiny changes in magnetic fields aim to detect a very early marker of Alzheimer's disease (disruptions to neural replay) before symptoms occur. This early detection is crucial for new treatments of Alzheimer's to be effective. New quantum imaging capabilities will also be applied to detect cardiovascular disease, and also MASER enhanced MRI research aims to explore new imaging modalities and faster scan times.
- Quantum enhanced in-vitro diagnostics: ultra-sensitive blood tests will be developed harnessing spin-enhanced nanodiamond sensors in simple lateral flow tests as well as other small portable formats. This could widen access to testing in GP surgeries, pharmacists and self-testing at home, thereby transforming earlier diagnosis of a range of diseases spanning from infections to cancer.
- New surgical and treatment interventions for early-stage and hard to treat cancers. These include a new approach investigating the use of magnetic nanoparticles to treat cancer.
- New quantum sensing technology capable of analysing single cells and molecules, to help researchers identify mechanisms within cells that could be targeted to prevent disease.
The hub core research programme will be complemented by strong stakeholder engagement, a translational impact fund, a future leaders programme, and active patient and public involvement.
EPSRC Executive Chair Professor Charlotte Deane said: "Technologies harnessing quantum properties will provide unparalleled power and capacity for analysis at a molecular level, with truly revolutionary possibilities across everything from healthcare to infrastructure and computing.
"The five Quantum Technology Hubs announced today will harness the UK's expertise to foster innovation, support growth and ensure that we capitalise on the profound opportunities of this transformative technology."
The hub's partners include the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Addenbrookes Hospital, and also the Africa Health Research Institute. There are 17 industry partners, and charity partners including the Alzheimer's Society and Cancer Research UK.
