Walton Institute Launches €4M Initiative to Train Quantum Innovators

The Walton Institute at South East Technological University has been awarded a significant €4 million project under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) to spearhead a doctoral network named Questing. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in quantum internet technologies by training 15 PhD candidates over the coming years.

Questing is a pioneering project that unites nine European universities and 13 industry partners to tackle the challenges associated with distributed quantum networks. It marks the first doctoral network dedicated to addressing the entire lifecycle of these emerging technologies. The project aims to bridge a critical skills gap in Europe, where there is an increasing demand for specialists in quantum technology, communications, computing, and social sciences.

Quantum networks hold the potential to transform secure communications and enhance distributed computing capabilities. However, Europe currently faces a shortage of qualified professionals equipped to design, manage, and operate these systems effectively. By producing specialists who are proficient in both the design and deployment of quantum systems, Questing aspires to give Europe a competitive advantage in the race to establish the Quantum Internet.

Creating a New Standard in Quantum Training

The Questing project will develop a harmonised doctoral curriculum that sets a new European standard for training in quantum network systems. Dr. Indrakshi Dey, the Principal Investigator of Questing at Walton Institute, highlighted the project’s ambition: “We are not just offering 15 PhD positions. We are inviting exceptional minds to join an elite, interdisciplinary team backed by industry leaders and world-class infrastructure.”

Walton Institute’s involvement in this project enhances the region’s profile in quantum research. As the project coordinator, the institute will oversee the entire consortium, which includes notable partners such as Trinity College Dublin and the University of Galway’s Irish Centre for High-End Computing. Collaborating industry partners include major players like Airbus Defence and Space, British Telecommunications, and Telecom Italia.

Dr. Deirdre Kilbane, the Director of Research at Walton Institute, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We are expanding on our existing quantum expertise with the announcement of this Questing project. Our team of researchers will be leaders in theoretical modelling and optimisation of advanced quantum networks which will benefit society in untold ways.”

The Questing initiative not only promises to enhance the capabilities of the European workforce in quantum technologies but also aims to position Europe as a leader in the global quantum landscape. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the project seeks to ensure that the region is well-prepared to meet future technological demands.

As the project unfolds, it represents a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for skilled professionals in a rapidly evolving field, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of quantum innovation.