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New Quantum Science & Technology Institute opens at UCL

12 May 2014

UCL is today inaugurating a new Quantum Science & Technology Institute (UCLQ).

nanotech The new institute will coordinate and support research into quantum science and technology across UCL, helping to develop this fast-advancing field of research.

The institute will link researchers across a range of departments and disciplines, including the London Centre for Nanotechnology, and the Departments of Physics & Astronomy, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Science & Technology Studies, and Chemistry, as well as UCL's new EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Delivering Quantum Technologies.

Professor Michael Arthur (UCL President & Provost) said: "The UCL Quantum Science & Technology Institute will push the boundaries of our understanding of quantum science and use these insights to deliver disruptive future technologies. Meeting these challenges requires a major interdisciplinary effort, such as that brought together in UCLQ."

Quantum science and technology harnesses the special properties of matter on tiny scales, to go beyond the limits of classical physics and conventional technologies. It has potentially revolutionary applications in electronics, computer science, communications and many other important fields.

Key areas of expertise at UCL include:

  • Quantum communication:
    Taking advantage of quantum properties of systems, research in quantum communications aims to develop means of communicating which are completely impervious to eavesdropping - something of crucial importance both to industry and private users.
  • Quantum computation:
    Exploiting the complexity of quantum systems, it is possible to achieve computing power far superior to what is achievable with existing technologies.
  • Quantum metrology and sensing:
    The sensitivity of quantum systems to tiny variations in their environment makes them excellent tools for measurement, with precision reaching single-molecule or single-electron levels. This has potential applications ranging from healthcare to space and defence technologies.

The UCL Quantum Science & Technology Institute will push the boundaries of our understanding of quantum science and use these insights to deliver disruptive future technologies. Meeting these challenges requires a major interdisciplinary effort, such as that brought together in UCLQ.

Professor Michael Arthur (UCL President & Provost)

Professor David Price (UCL Vice-Provost, Research) said: "Leading UCL researchers have made pioneering contributions to quantum technologies over several decades, and helped to develop a thriving community of quantum researchers across the UK. UCLQ is our flagship commitment to the next phase of our quantum technologies, which will see these breakthroughs translated to applications in partnership with industry. This will require both large-scale investment in and expert coordination of cross-disciplinary research and development."

The institute will promote engagement with quantum science and technology, both for the public and for end users, including a range of public events, a network of government and industry stakeholders, and research into the responsible innovation policies.


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