The University of Southampton has received around £32 million to establish two research centers focused on quantum computing and UK defense. The funding comes from the government, industry leaders, and small and medium-sized businesses. The centers aim to train PhD students to support the UK’s quantum technology and defense sectors. Key contributors include Microsoft, QinetiQ, Riverlane, and Oxford Ionics. Dr. Tim Freegarde and Professor Jordan Cheer from the University of Southampton will direct the centers. The investments were announced by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and are part of a larger initiative by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Southampton University Receives Funding for Quantum Research Centres
The University of Southampton has been granted substantial funding to establish two research centres focused on the advancement of quantum computing and the enhancement of UK defence expertise. The funding, amounting to approximately £32 million, is a combined contribution from the government, industry leaders, and small to medium-sized enterprises. The University will also provide some matching support.
The research centres aim to educate PhD students, thereby expanding the pool of skilled innovators required for the UK’s quantum technology and defence sectors. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) announced these multimillion-pound investments.
EPSRC-Funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering
The EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering will receive £18 million. This funding will come from tech businesses such as Microsoft, QinetiQ, Riverlane, and Oxford Ionics. Dr Tim Freegarde, the centre’s director from the University of Southampton, stated that the centre would play a vital role in the government’s plans to transform Britain into a quantum-enabled economy by 2033.
Dr Freegarde further explained that quantum technologies would significantly impact our lives within the next 10 to 20 years. These impacts could range from faster mobile data and banking security to GPS-free navigation and locating underground pipes. The training centre aims to educate a new generation of graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and awareness to engineer new quantum technologies and position the UK at the forefront of the global quantum industry.
Centre for Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security
The Centre for Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security aims to educate the next generation of leaders and experts required to support UK safety and resilience. The centre will receive £12.5 million in funding from the EPSRC, the Ministry of Defence, and various industry partners.
Professor Jordan Cheer, the centre’s director from the University of Southampton, stated that the centre would provide a unique approach to doctoral training. This approach involves bringing together graduates and former military and policing personnel. Professor Cheer emphasized the importance of a robust defence and security industry for the UK and expressed his belief that the centre would train a new generation to ensure Britain’s future safety.
Additional Doctoral Training Centres
In addition to the two new centres in Southampton, the University of Southampton has also received funding for two more doctoral training centres. One focuses on mathematics for future climate, hosted at Imperial College London, and the other on acoustics at the University of Salford.
These new centres in Southampton are part of 65 centres announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to train 4,000 PhD students over the next decade. The aim is to drive forward research that will develop the complex technologies needed for the modern defence and security of the UK.
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