Quantum lab set to boost discoveries

29 November 2022

Edinburgh scientists, including EPCC's Quantum Applications group, are set to lead a major new research programme to expand the University’s world-leading expertise in quantum computing.

The Quantum Software Lab, in collaboration with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and based in the School of Informatics, will identify key challenges in the adoption of quantum computing and investigate new ways in which quantum computers can provide benefits, beyond the reach of traditional computers.  

Researchers from the Lab will work closely with industry partners to understand how quantum computers might help address their problems. 

Advancements in science may enable new applications, and new applications may inspire new research directions, the team says. 

The Lab’s theoretical research pillars will develop necessary tools for identifying and demonstrating any quantum advantage that one might obtain in a provable and reproducible way for specific industry situations.

New appointment

The new lab, to be launched in January 2023, will be led by Professor Elham Kashefi with support from a team of leading researchers including, Dr Chris Heunen, Dr Myrto Arapinis, Dr Raul Garcia Patron, Dr Petros Wallden from the School of Informatics and Dr Oliver Brown from EPCC.

Professor Kashefi has also been announced as NQCC Chief Scientist by the national centre. Her appointment was highlighted during a speech by George Freeman MP, Honourable Minister of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, at the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2022 held in London on 11th November.

Government programme

UK Research and Innovation, through EPSRC and STFC, has established NQCC as the national computing centre for the UK Government’s £1billion National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP). The Programme is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scaling up the emerging technology. 

Quantum discoveries

Quantum information processing is about finding algorithms and protocols that can solve problems more efficiently than its classical computing counterparts by storing and manipulating information within quantum systems. 

Scientists from the Lab will engage with individuals and industries to better understand their practical problems and design new quantum computing functions to solve them. 

They will also work with hardware providers and inform the development of devices that can be better adapted as the field of quantum computing develops. 

National Quantum Computing Centre: https://www.nqcc.ac.uk

Image shows Prof. Elham Kashefi with George Freeman MP, Honourable Minister of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, at the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2022, London. Credit: NQCC

I am thrilled and honoured to join the NQCC leadership team to establish the Quantum Software Lab together with my colleagues at Edinburgh and elsewhere in UK. The new lab will enable us to further quantum software, algorithms, and applications, with specific attention to opportunities in training and research for quantum advantage and removing barriers to successful adoption.

Professor Elham Kashefi
Personal Chair in Quantum Computing
School of Informatics

Professor Elham Kashefi meets George Freeman MP, Honourable Minister of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy,at the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2022, London. Image: NQCC