UCL is training a new generation of researchers to turn quantum physics into working technologies—devices that could transform how we measure, communicate, and compute. The UK invented many of the core ideas behind quantum technologies, but international companies are already moving to commercialise them. Without a skilled workforce, the country risks losing its lead. This Centre for Doctoral Training addresses that gap by equipping students to work across the complex landscape where quantum physics meets cryptography, materials science, software, and hardware engineering. If successful, the programme will produce future leaders who can translate laboratory breakthroughs into real-world systems. These might include ultra-secure communications networks, sensors that detect minute changes in gravity or magnetic fields for medical imaging and navigation, or quantum computers that solve problems today’s machines cannot touch. Many of these applications would quietly underpin critical infrastructure—from energy grids to supply chains—without most people ever noticing. The training is interdisciplinary from the start. Students take modules in devices, information, and computational sciences, complete team and individual projects, and receive ongoing coaching in communication, technology transfer, and enterprise. Peer learning is built into daily life through co-location at UCL.
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Quantum technologies promise a transformation of measurement, communication and computation by using ideas originating from quantum physics. The UK was the birthplace of many of the seminal ideas and techniques; the technologies are now ready to translate from the laboratory into industrial applications. Since international companies are already moving in this area, there is a critical need across the UK for highly-skilled researchers who will be the future leaders in quantum technology. Our proposal is driven by the need to train this new generation of leaders. They will need to be equipped to function in a complex research and engineering landscape where quantum physics meets cryptography, complexity and information theory, devices, materials, software and hardware engineering. We propose to train a cohort of leaders to meet these challenges within the highly interdisciplinary research environment provided by UCL, its commercial and governmental laboratory partners. In their first year the students will obtain a background in devices, information and computational sciences through three concentrated modules organized around current research issues. They will complete a team project and a longer individual research project, preparing them for their choice of main research doctoral topic at the end of the year. Cross-cohort training in communication skills, technology transfer, enterprise, teamwork and career planning will continue throughout the four years. Peer to peer learning will be continually facilitated not only by organized cross-cohort activities, but also by the day to day social interaction among the members of the cohort thanks to their co-location at UCL.
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