NQCC Director, Dr Michael Cuthbert (right) and Vice Principal and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at The University of Edinburgh, Professor Iain Gordon (left) signing the memorandum of understanding marking the opening of the first NQCC software lab. (Credit NQCC)

New Software Lab to support User Engagement Goals

Jun 17 2023

A new software lab opened by the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and the University of Edinburgh was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding by both parties with the core aim to support the NQCC in developing a quantum software and applications centre. Established in the University’s School of Informatics and led by NQCC Chief Scientist, Professor Elham Kashefi, the lab will undertake key research as part of the Quantum Advantage Pathfinder (QAP) programme.

Working in collaboration with industry partners and also able to offer expertise and education, the lab forms the research backbone of NQCC’s flagship user engagement SparQ Applications Discovery Programme, which is focused on attracting talent, helping to train the next-generation workforce, providing scientific expertise and building on the capability to solve the key scientific challenges facing quantum computing.

Dr Michael Cuthbert, NQCC Director said: “I am delighted that the NQCC is partnering with the University to establish the new Quantum Software Lab at Edinburgh.

“This joint endeavour will create a core research capability to address some of the key challenges in developing quantum software, paving the way towards practical applications of quantum computing that can have a real impact on the industry.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh added: “In the year the University of Edinburgh marks six decades at the forefront of computer science and artificial intelligence research, we are delighted to partner with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC).

“That the NQCC’s first software lab has been established here at the University is hugely significant and is indicative of the calibre of quantum researchers in our School of Informatics. Together, I hope we can play a significant role in the development and delivery of emerging quantum technologies.”

Based within the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC is funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

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