Cardiff University researchers part of £106 million investment in new Quantum hubs

Cardiff University experts are supporting two new research hubs which aim to harness quantum technology to improve healthcare and computing.

The hubs will bring researchers and businesses from around the UK together to use their scientific expertise and talent alongside the commercial know-how and resources to develop groundbreaking quantum technologies that will directly impact people's lives in areas like healthcare, security, and clean energy.

Cardiff University experts will play a key role in two hubs - the UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub (Q-BIOMED), and the Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QC13).

Professor Oliver Williams, from the School of Physics and Astronomy and lead researcher at the Cardiff Diamond Foundry, will support the Q-BIOMED Hub, which is being led by UCL and the University of Cambridge. The hub will explore quantum sensors for ultra-sensitive disease diagnosis, including rapid blood tests, and biomedical scanners to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Williams and his team at the Cardiff Diamond Foundry will fabricate the tiny diamonds which will be used as ultra-sensitive detectors within the Q-BIOMED hub.

Professor Williams said: “We are delighted to be a part of Q-BIOMED along with 6 NHS trusts, 17 industrial partners and 5 top universities."

Professor Anthony Bennett, from the School of Engineering and group lead for QLab Cardiff, will support the QCI3 Hub, which is being led by the University of Oxford. Within the hub, researchers will work closely with industry partners to identify and develop real-world applications of quantum computing, including focusing on design for new materials, chemicals, fluid simulation techniques, and machine learning.

Professor Bennett will lead a group who will develop advanced semiconductor quantum light sources, using the Institute for Compound Semiconductors cleanroom facilities at the Translational Research Hub to make devices, and the University’s state-of-the-art labs to characterise them.

Professor Bennett said: “It is wonderful to be part of the QCI3 Hub over the next 5 years."

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle MP, said: "We want to see a future where cutting-edge science improves everyday lives. That is the vision behind our investment in these new quantum technology hubs, by supporting the deployment of technology that will mean faster diagnoses for diseases, critical infrastructure safe from hostile threats, and cleaner energy for us all.

“This isn't just about research; it's about putting that research to work. These hubs will bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and practical solutions. They will not only transform sectors like healthcare and security, but also create a culture of accelerated innovation that helps to grow our economy.”

Welcoming the announcement, Professor Roger Whitaker, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise, said: “We are delighted that Cardiff University will contribute its considerable expertise to the development of quantum technologies, particularly in areas that have the potential to revolutionise healthcare and computing."

Further information about the new hubs can be found on the UKRI website.