Quantum Tech programme to explore unanswered questions of our Universe

20 Feb 2020 12:25 PM

A new £40 million research programme will bring together physicists and quantum technologists to explore some of the greatest unanswered questions of our Universe.

Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics, is a joint programme from UKRI’s Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). It will demonstrate how quantum technologies can be applied to address fundamental physics questions.

Across the research areas of particle physics, astrophysics and nuclear physics, amongst others, the power of this emerging new technology will be brought to bear on addressing questions such as the nature of dark matter and gravity.

Professor Mark Thomson, Particle physicist and Executive Chair of STFC, yesterday said:

“New technologies and approaches are often behind the major breakthroughs in science. Just as quantum computing promises to revolutionise traditional computing, quantum technologies have the potential to radically change the approach to experiments addressing questions in fundamental physics, providing insights far beyond what is possible today.

“Thanks to the support of STFC and EPSRC, the quantum sensors and technologies developed as part of the National Quantum Technology Programme (NQTP) can now be developed to the point where they can be applied to answer key questions in fundamental physics. I believe this new programme is an incredibly exciting opportunity to place UK science at the forefront of this emerging field of research.”

Up to seven large projects will be funded through an initial research call, with a second smaller call planned for later in the programme to exploit opportunities from funded projects.

The initiative is part of a wider £70 million UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) investment announced aimed at keeping the UK at the forefront of quantum and related technologies.