Walton Institute Launches €4M Project to Train Quantum Innovators

Walton Institute at South East Technological University has been awarded a significant €4 million project to coordinate the Questing doctoral network, aimed at cultivating the next generation of experts in quantum internet technology. This initiative comes under the auspices of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and is set to unite nine European universities alongside 13 industry partners to tackle critical technological challenges facing the continent.

Questing is noteworthy for being the first doctoral network to comprehensively address the lifecycle of distributed quantum networks. The initiative plans to train 15 fully-funded PhD candidates, referred to as ‘Q-System Innovators.’ These specialists will acquire interdisciplinary expertise in quantum technology, communications, computing, and social sciences, responding to a pressing skills shortage in the field.

Quantum networks hold the potential to transform secure communications and distributed computing. However, Europe faces a significant gap in the skilled workforce necessary to design, manage, and operate these systems effectively. Through this project, Questing aims to equip specialists with a deep understanding of quantum systems, from their design through to deployment, providing Europe with a competitive advantage in the race to establish the Quantum Internet.

Establishing a European Standard in Quantum Training

The Questing project will pioneer a harmonised doctoral curriculum that aspires to become the European standard for training in quantum network systems. Dr. Indrakshi Dey, Principal Investigator of Questing at Walton Institute, emphasised the scope 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.”

This initiative represents a substantial advancement for Ireland’s position in quantum research. As the project coordinator, Walton Institute will oversee the consortium’s activities, enhancing its international reputation and attracting top-tier doctoral talent to the south-east region. The institute boasts extensive experience in managing large-scale EU projects, which will contribute to the success of Questing.

Dr. Deirdre Kilbane, Director of Research at Walton Institute, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the expansion of existing quantum expertise. “Our team of researchers will be leaders in theoretical modelling and optimisation of advanced quantum networks which will benefit society in untold ways,” she stated.

Collaborative Efforts Across Europe

The Questing consortium includes prominent educational institutions such as Trinity College Dublin and the University of Galway’s Irish Centre for High-End Computing. Additionally, it features collaboration with industry giants, including Airbus Defence and Space, British Telecommunications, Telecom Italia, and the Austrian Institute of Technology.

The collaboration not only reinforces the academic foundations of the project but also aligns it with industry needs, ensuring that the training provided is relevant and impactful. As the demand for quantum technology continues to grow, initiatives like Questing are essential in preparing a workforce capable of meeting future challenges.

Overall, the Questing project represents a significant milestone in the development of quantum technology expertise in Europe, marking a critical step towards building a robust infrastructure for the Quantum Internet.