NQTP Hubs celebrate World Quantum Day with joint webinar

To mark World Quantum Day on 14 April, the five National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) Hubs came together to host a joint webinar showcasing cutting-edge research from across the UK’s quantum ecosystem.

Aimed at students and curious members of the public, the event highlighted how quantum technologies – including sensing, computing, communications and imaging – are progressing from laboratory research towards real-world applications.

Chaired by Dr Keith Norman from the QCi3 Hub engagement team, the seminar brought together researchers from each of the five Hubs to share insights into their work.

Representing the UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research (Q-BIOMED) Hub, Dr Felix Donaldson, a postdoctoral researcher at UCL, opened the session with a talk on the development of quantum tools for healthcare diagnostics.

Ellis Ainley, a PhD student in the ion trap group at the University of Oxford and part of the  Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCi3 Hub), then explored her research on error detection in distributed quantum computers.

Next, Dr Stirling Scholes of the University of Strathclyde, from the UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT Hub), presented his work on integrating and testing portable optically pumped magnetometers. He demonstrated how these quantum sensors could support practical field applications, including reducing the disruption caused by roadworks.

From the Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub, Dr Jaya Sagar, Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol, shared progress on the SPOQC (Satellite Platform for Optical Quantum Communications) mission, which is developing space-to-ground quantum communication links.

Finally, Dr Libby Passey from the UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position and Timing (QEPNT) and the University of Glasgow introduced ‘Wee-g’, a low-cost portable gravimeter capable of detecting subtle changes in the local gravitational field. She highlighted how this technology can be used in volcanic environments to model the flow of lava.

A recording of the webinar is now available to watch online, offering a great opportunity to catch up on the talks and explore the breadth of quantum research across the UK. (Please note that Ellis Ainley’s talk is not included in the recording.)

If you are interested in more events like this, make sure to keep an eye on the Quantum City website, which will feature a comprehensive directory of quantum outreach events.

Find out more about the NQTP Hubs:

·      The Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCi3)

·      UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT)

·      The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub (IQN)

·      UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation & Timing (QEPNT)

·      The UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub (Q-BIOMED)