They are among eleven emerging UK research leaders who have been awarded with a Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowship by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowships recognise the most promising early career researchers in the UK and support them to develop their careers and push the boundaries of their field.

Dr Hance’s project investigates measurement in quantum mechanics. In classical physics, looking at a system has no intrinsic effect on how it behaves — we can measure anything we wish without it affecting what we would see if we measured anything else, so long as we measure carefully enough. However, in quantum mechanics, this is not the case. Understanding how quantum measurement leads to weird quantum behaviour, and identifying what we can use this for, is therefore a critical part of leveraging quantum mechanics to power new technologies.

The EPSRC investment in Dr Hance’s Fellowship is £1.7m. In addition, the project will receive £275,000 of in-kind contributions from Project Partners: University of Bristol, Heriot-Watt University, Hiroshima University, Kagawa University, Kyoto University, Nagoya University, Northumbria University and the National Quantum Computing Centre.

Dr Hance, Lecturer in Applied Quantum Foundations at Newcastle University’s School of Computing, said: “My Fellowship involves delving into the weirdness of quantum foundations to develop new quantum technologies. By building a deeper understanding of how measurement changes quantum systems, I’m aiming to use the paradoxical properties of quantum mechanics to power new protocols for quantum imaging, sensing and computing.

“This research combines foundational questions regarding the paradoxical nature of quantum statistics with a search for more efficient applications of quantum resources, and for indicators to help us identify scenarios where there will be quantum advantage. It also links this theoretical work to experimental reality, fostering collaboration with experimental physicists, and identifying and demonstrating real technological benefits from the research.”

Supporting bold thinking

EPSRC’s Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowships provide a platform for talented researchers at UK universities and encourage bright minds to contribute to the UK’s quantum ambitions.

EPSRC is investing £15 million in total. This will support research into topics such as:

• investigating new platforms and protocols for quantum imaging, sensing and computing
• advancing methods for quantum error correction and mitigation
• advancing materials research and technologies for quantum applications
• exploring fundamental scientific principles underpinning quantum technologies
• new theoretical and algorithmic approaches to creating robust and scalable quantum models
• redefining how superconductors are understood and optimised to pave the way for advances in quantum technologies.

Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Peter Kyle said: “Quantum – manipulating the universe at its smallest scale – has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country – stopping fraudsters in their tracks, protecting our bank accounts and more.

“Backing our world-class quantum researchers and businesses is an important part of our Plan for Change.

“The UK is home to the second largest community of quantum businesses in the world and this investment means they can go further paving the way for new quantum tools and products that make our lives easier, fuel growth, and help us tackle the great challenges of our era.”

EPSRC Executive Chair Professor Charlotte Deane said: "These awards highlight the diversity of our quantum technologies portfolio and amplify the importance of technological integration to deliver world leading capabilities for the UK.

“The Quantum Technologies sector is rapidly growing and evolving, so building a diverse and thriving workforce that can drive this forward is vital to unlocking economic and societal benefits in the future.

“By investing in the most promising researchers, not only are we boosting quantum skills, but we are also strengthening the research base and ensuring the UK can realise the incredible potential of new quantum technologies.”

Adapted with thanks from UKRI. Read the original press release.