The UK-Canada quantum for science research collaboration today announces the winners of this grant funding opportunity.
This initiative is run jointly by:
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), through the International Science Partnerships Fund
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), through the UKRI-NSERC collaborative agreement
The allocation of £4 million from the UK and $4.2 million from Canada (totalling £6.5 million) in grant funding will support 10 innovative and collaborative research projects.
The projects will involve university researchers in both countries to advance research in quantum communications and quantum sensing and detection.
A diverse range of disciplines
The selected projects span a diverse range of quantum disciplines, including:
- quantum internet
- quantum communication security
- quantum sensors for assessing brain disorders
Each project has been selected for its potential to support key elements and specific missions of Canada’s national quantum strategy and the UK national quantum strategy.
The 10 successful projects were selected through a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring that only the most promising and impactful research proposals received funding.
The grant recipients will have the opportunity to work closely with their international counterparts, sharing knowledge and resources to achieve their collective research goals.
A strong international partnership
This joint funding initiative is part of the ongoing partnership between UKRI and NSERC to:
- promote the excellence in science and innovation
- support cutting-edge research and training
- share quantum expertise between UK and Canadian research communities
Both organisations are committed to supporting high-quality research that addresses global challenges and drives economic growth.
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said:
The ten university-led partnerships receiving grants today are proof of the valuable, long-lasting collaboration between the UK and Canada on R&D.
Working together on quantum research like this, with strong commercial potential, can support economic growth in both our countries.
Pioneering research and innovation
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UKRI, commented:
This partnership is exemplary of the ways in which UK-Canada collaboration continues to support pioneering research and innovation.
By combining and sharing our resources and expertise, this funding will enable researchers to use quantum technology to develop innovative solutions that have huge potential across societies and economies globally.
Advancing cutting-edge research
Professor Alejandro Adem, NSERC President, remarked:
NSERC is proud to support the UK-Canada Quantum for Science Research Collaboration, advancing cutting-edge research in quantum technologies.
This initiative highlights the importance of international partnerships in driving scientific innovation and supporting Canada’s National Quantum Strategy.
Further information
The supported projects
Quantum sensors for biophysical modelling of brain function
University:
- University of Nottingham
- University of Toronto
Leads:
- Matthew Brookes
- Benjamin Dunkley
Quantum sensors could revolutionise brain disorder management by providing cheap, accurate, and non-invasive assessments of brain health, potentially transforming human neuroscience and precision medicine.
Quantum network applications in theory and practice
University:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Waterloo
Leads:
- Adrian Kent
- Alex May
Researchers are developing quantum networks to link quantum computers, aiming to create a quantum internet that enhances computing and cryptography, with significant potential applications and challenges in efficiency, security and technology.
Dynamic metropolitan-scale entanglement distribution networks and beyond
Lead universities:
- University of Bristol
- University of Toronto
Leads:
- Rui Wang
- Li Qian
This joint Bristol-Toronto project will develop novel solutions to create robust, scalable and dynamically switchable entanglement-based networks that operate over the real-world deployed fibre infrastructure.
Reconfigurable Quantum Optical Networking (ReQON)
Lead universities:
- Durham University
- The University of British Columbia
Leads:
- Andrew Reeves
- Jonathan Holzman
The ReQON programme aims to develop deployable, mobile quantum key distribution links with reduced infrastructure and cost, enhancing secure communications for various applications.
Quantum-enhanced sensing with atoms and molecules
Lead universities:
- Durham University
- University of Waterloo
Leads:
- Alexander Guttridge
- Alexandre Cooper-Roy
This project aims to develop arrays of quantum sensors that surpass the standard quantum limit, improving both sensitivity and precision for applications in medical diagnostics, defence and fundamental physics.
Quantum nitrogen-vacancy hexagonal boron nitride (NV-hBN) resonators for advanced sensing applications
Lead universities:
- Ulster University
- University of Waterloo
Leads:
- Amir Farokh Payam
- Eihab Abdel-Rahman
Researchers are developing advanced quantum sensors by integrating NV centres into hBN resonators, enhancing sensitivity and precision in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring and materials science.
Microcombs for Quantum Networking and Synchronisation (MICROQ)
Lead universities:
- Loughborough University
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)
Leads:
- Marco Peccianti
- Alessia Pasquazi
- Roberto Morandotti
Researchers are integrating classical and quantum channels within compact microcomb sources to enable ultraprecise clock signals and quantum-secure information, advancing quantum communication and metrology.
Low-index Quantum Optics (LexQuO)
Lead universities:
- Heriot-Watt University
- INRS
Leads:
- Marcello Ferrera
- Luca Razzari
Researchers are developing ultra-nonlinear low-index materials to enhance quantum systems’ efficiency and scalability, aiming to advance quantum communication, computing, and sensing, while shaping the future quantum workforce for UK and Canada.
Coherent Optimisation and Magnon Manipulation for Information Transfer (COMMIT)
University:
- University of Glasgow
- University of Manitoba
Leads:
- Rair Macedo
- Robert Stamps
Researchers are developing foundational knowledge for advancement of efficient, hybrid magnetic-based quantum devices that have the potential to be employed across several branches of quantum technologies, from secure communications to precision sensing and advanced computing.
New two-dimensional (2D) material platforms for nanoscale quantum sensing
University:
- University of Bath
- INRS
Leads:
- Enrico Da Como
- Emanuele Orgiu
Researchers are developing 2D material platforms with optically active spin qubits for quantum sensing, aiming to advance healthcare, magnetic detection and computing.