Government

Quantum research gets funding boost

Money split between 40 universities involved in doctoral training and quantum technologies to "help secure UK's position as a world leader in science and technology".

Written by Colin Barker, Contributor March 1, 2016 at 6:22 a.m. PT

EPSRC's Professor Philip Nelson: "Investments help science push at the boundaries and make discoveries that are taken through into innovations."
Image: EPSRC

UK tech investment is about to get a £204m boost, according to the Science Minister Jo Johnson.

The money is to be split into two parcels: one to help develop graduate skills, specialist equipment, and other facilities; and a second to target quantum technologies research.

The minister made the announcement in a meeting at the University of Oxford this morning where he met academics working on Networked Quantum Information Technologies (NQIT), the Quantum Technology Hub, and the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme.

"The government is ensuring major new discoveries happen here, such as the creation of super-powerful quantum computers which scientists are working on in Oxford.

"This new funding builds on our protection for science spending by supporting research in our world-leading universities and helping to train the science leaders of tomorrow," said Johnson.

The funds for doctoral training will come from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and will support students for the academic years beginning October 2016 and 2017.

The quantum technologies funding is split between three quantum training and skills hubs in quantum systems engineering, and seven strategic capital investment packages. According to the announcement, the hubs will receive £12m and £25m, which will be "allocated via capital".

EPSRC chief executive, Professor Philip Nelson, said: "These strategic investments will help science push at the boundaries and make discoveries that are taken through into innovations."