Q-BIOMED at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition
The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition is an annual, week-long festival that showcases the latest research from across the UK through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and talks.
This year at the exhibition, to celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the National Quantum Computing Centre brought together partners, including researchers from the Q-BIOMED Hub, to create ‘The Quantum Zone’. This exhibit aimed to showcase the exciting quantum research and innovation that is being carried out by industry, academia and government across the UK, ranging from activities demonstrating the core concepts behind quantum science, to highlighting the real-world applications of quantum research.
Along with representatives from the five other UK Quantum Technology Hubs, Q-BIOMED researchers featured on the ‘quantum in the real world’ stand, where visitors could learn about how quantum technologies are impacting our lives now and how they may impact them in the future.
Our researchers from the University of Warwick presented a prototype of their diamond magnetometer, showcasing how this innovative technology could expand the use of magnetic markers in cancer diagnostics.
Researchers from the University of Warwick with their diamond magnetometer
Their demonstration also featured a diamond with a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre. By shining a green laser on it, visitors could observe red fluorescence - a visible manifestation of its quantum properties. This exciting display led to broader discussions on some of Q-BIOMED’s other research areas involving NV-diamonds, including developing ultra-sensitive lateral flow tests and using nanodiamonds for sensing on a subcellular and molecular-scale in basic research to advance our understanding of disease development and treatment.
Overall, 7871 meaningful interactions with visitors were recorded in the quantum zone over the course of the exhibition. This included two evening soirees with Fellows of the Royal Society, and a special visit from Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister of State for Science, on Thursday 3rd July.
Through speaking to visitors throughout the week, our researchers were able to help de-mystify some of the science around quantum technologies and demonstrate how they could help to improve our lives. We look forward to taking part in more events like this over the next few years to connect with the community and spark interesting discussions.
Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future Q-BIOMED events.