Walton Institute Launches €4 Million Project to Train Quantum Innovators

The Walton Institute at South East Technological University has secured a significant €4 million funding project aimed at shaping the future of quantum technology. Dubbed Questing, this initiative is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral network and is set to train a new generation of experts in the field of quantum internet.

Questing unites nine European universities alongside 13 industry partners, tackling one of the most critical technological challenges facing the continent. This project stands out as the first doctoral network dedicated to addressing the complete lifecycle of distributed quantum networks. Over the next few years, it will provide full funding for 15 PhD candidates, who will be trained as ‘Q-System Innovators.’ These specialists will possess a rare blend of interdisciplinary knowledge spanning quantum technology, communications, computing, and social sciences.

The initiative directly responds to a significant skills shortage in the field. As quantum networks promise to transform secure communications and distributed computing, Europe faces a pressing need for a trained workforce capable of designing, managing, and operating these complex systems at scale. By cultivating specialists who understand quantum systems from inception to deployment, Questing aims to enhance Europe’s competitive edge in the race to establish a robust Quantum Internet.

Dr. Indrakshi Dey, Principal Investigator of Questing at Walton Institute, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “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.”

The Questing project will also establish a harmonised doctoral curriculum, setting a new European standard for training in quantum network systems. This effort represents a substantial advancement for the country’s position in quantum research. As the project coordinator, Walton Institute will oversee the entire consortium, thereby enhancing its international profile and attracting top doctoral talent to the south-east region.

Dr. Deirdre Kilbane, Director of Research at Walton Institute, highlighted the expansion of the institute’s quantum expertise with the launch of Questing. She expressed confidence that the team of researchers will lead in theoretical modelling and optimisation of advanced quantum networks, with potential societal benefits that are profound and far-reaching.

The Questing consortium features prestigious partners, including Trinity College Dublin and the University of Galway’s Irish Centre for High-End Computing. Key industry collaborators include Airbus Defence and Space, British Telecommunications, Telecom Italia, and the Austrian Institute of Technology.

As Europe embarks on this ambitious project, the implications for the future of quantum technology and its applications in secure communications and distributed computing are significant. The Questing initiative not only addresses immediate educational needs but also positions Europe as a leader in the global quantum landscape.