Investments Support Training and Quantum Technologies Science

Two major investments in science and engineering research totalling £204 million were announced at the beginning of March by Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson. Forty UK universities will share in £167 million that will support doctoral training over a two year period, while £37 million will be put into developing the graduate skills, specialist equipment and facilities in support of UK Quantum Technologies research.

The minister made the announcements during a visit to the University of Oxford where he met academics working in the Networked Quantum Information Technology (NQIT) Quantum technology Hub led by Professor Ian Walmsley, one of four that form part of the £270 million UK National Quantum technologies Programme. The University of Oxford will receive £13.5 million for its programme.

The Minister said: “We are committed to securing the UK's position as a world leader in science and innovation. 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.

The University of York will also receive substantial support through the package:“Supporting the vital work of the York-led Quantum Communications Hub, which is developing technology to deliver quantum encryption systems to enable secure transactions and transmissions of data across a range of users in real-world applications,” would also be key to helping secure the UK’s strength in this area, Jo Johnson added. “The £4.1 million of funding for the University of York will enable it to support more Doctoral students across the Hub and in its other leading research activities, generating new discoveries and commercial partnerships, boosting high level skills and supporting jobs and growth.”

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) will provide funding  through its Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) which have changed to allow institutions greater certainty and increased time to plan their DTP programmes.

The Quantum Technologies funding is split between three Quantum Training and Skills Hubs in Quantum Systems Engineering and seven strategic capital investment packages. The Hubs will receive £12 million and £25 million will be allocated via capital.