Quantum technologies is a key strategic theme for the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It includes support for research networks, early technology adoption through the national laboratories, development of sensing capabilities and building a quantum skills base.
This strategic theme includes support for invention, application and acceleration of quantum technologies.
STFC supports delivery of the UK’s National Quantum Strategy by:
- building and strengthening quantum science research networks: our large-scale facilities and laboratories have significant ability to bring together the research community working on quantum materials and technologies
- brokering the early cross-disciplinary adoption of quantum technologies through the national laboratories: for example, quantum for net zero, quantum for topological matter, linking advanced simulation with materials discovery and characterisation
- driving forward quantum technology capabilities for sensing and advocating in the wider scientific community: from acting as early adopters and intelligent customers for improved particle detection for facilities such as ISIS, to cutting-edge sensors for studying biological systems at the Rosalyn Franklin Institute, offering insights that may accelerate the discovery of new medicines
- sustaining and building a skills base: for highly relevant capabilities in cryogenics, vacuum engineering, clean manufacturing, device characterisation, advanced control and readout systems, and deployment of technologies into hostile environments including space
STFC-delivered and funded centres, programmes and facilities
The National Quantum Computing Centre, funded by EPSRC and delivered by STFC, is the UK’s national lab for quantum computing. The centre works with businesses, government and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK.
The Quantum technologies for fundamental physics programme demonstrates how the application of quantum technologies will advance the understanding of fundamental physics questions, such as:
- the search for dark matter
- the nature of gravity
- measurements of the quantum properties of elementary particles
International collaborations are a key feature of this programme.
The Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation is a collaborative programme with IBM which enables businesses to acquire the skills, knowledge and technical capability required to adopt digital technologies like supercomputing, data analytics, artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
The Harwell Quantum Cluster and the Quantum Business Incubation Centre provide support for businesses to transition ground-breaking research into market-ready solutions, acting to secure the UK quantum supply chain including incubation services, funding opportunities and mentorship programmes.
The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be used by academia and industry to investigate atomic-scale phenomena to develop transformative quantum technologies, including computers, sensors and communications. Together, ISIS and the Diamond Light Source offer complementary techniques for evaluating quantum materials.
STFC’s Scientific Computing Department delivers the Computational Science Centre for Research Communities (CoSeC) hub, funded by EPSRC, the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Underpinning technologies and quantum computing is one of six communities supported by STFC’s computational scientists and specialist research software engineers.
RAL Space develops space-ready subsystems for quantum technologies into space for a new generation of sensing, timing and communication devices, offering unprecedented sensitivity, accuracy, stability and security. Another area of expertise is ultra-secure quantum communication from space, with the Space Photon Entanglement Quantum Technology Readiness Experiment (SPEQTRE).