University of Bristol awarded £8.4 million to strengthen quantum research programmes
The University of Bristol has been awarded an £8.4 million share of £94 million funding announced yesterday by the Science Minister, Chris Skidmore, for the UK’s Quantum Technologies Research Hubs.
Quantum technology is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of modern research. Advances in the field promise a new generation of disruptive technologies providing secure communications, supersensitive sensing and imaging and exponential speed up in computation. Experts predict that there is the opportunity to build a £1 billion UK quantum industry in the coming decade.
The University of Bristol is a key partner in three of the four Quantum Technologies Research Hubs which will revolutionise imaging, computing, sensing and timing and communications. In total, the hubs involve collaborations between 26 universities, 138 investigators and more than 100 partners.
The National Quantum Technologies Programme, which began in 2013, has now entered its second phase of funding, part of which is today’s £94 million investment by the UK government, via UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Overall this funding will help maintain Bristol’s position as a world leader in quantum information science and technology.
UKRI’s Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport said: “The UK is leading the field in developing Quantum Technologies and this new investment will help us make the next leap forward in the drive to link discoveries to innovative applications. UKRI is committed to ensuring the best research and researchers are supported in this area.”
Science Minister, Chris Skidmore said: “Harnessing the full potential of emerging technologies is vital as we strive to meet our Industrial Strategy ambition to be the most innovative economy in the world. Our world-leading universities are pioneering ways to apply quantum technologies that could have serious commercial benefits for UK businesses. That’s why I am delighted to be announcing further investment in Quantum Technology Hubs that will bring academics and innovators together and make this once futuristic technology applicable to our everyday lives.”
Find out more – www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2019/july/quantum-technologies-research-hubs.html
Submitted on 12/07/2019
