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Heriot-Watt is to benefit from a major government funding announcement.
Science Minister Jo Johnson announced major investments in science and engineering research totalling. The University will benefit from an overall £37 million funding package to be put into developing the graduate skills in our research, and in specialist equipment and facilities that will put UK Quantum Technologies research at the forefront of the field.
The recently announced Quantum Hubs will lead to significant advances in the Science as well as ensuring that these advances are translated into new technologies in the future.
Heriot-Watt is a key partner in two of the Quantum Hubs, those led by Glasgow and York Universities, and in these the University's research will be pushing the limits of single photon imaging, enabling exciting new technologies to allow us to see round corners or even through walls. It will also enable further developments in quantum cryptography schemes which will eventually change the way we use secure e-commerce systems. Heriot-Watt's total funding package for these Hubs and two other recently announced EPSRC quantum technology projects is £6m.
Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences
Director of Heriot-Watt's Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPaQS), Professor Gerald Buller, will lead the University's activities in the Quantum Communications Hub coordinated by the University of York. Professor Daniele Faccio (also IPaQS) will lead activities within the Glasgow-led Hub.
Head of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Professor Steve McLaughlin said, “I am extremely pleased that the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt has reinforced its position as a leader in photonics and quantum science and its involvement in the recently announced Quantum Hubs will lead to significant advances in the Science as well as ensuring that these advances are translated into new technologies in the future.”
The University will also benefit from £167 million which will support doctoral training at selected UK universities over a two-year period.
Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said, “We are committed to securing Scotland and the UK's position as world leaders in science and innovation. This new funding recognises the high quality of research in Scotland, and builds on our protection for science spending in the UK. These universities will be able to take on more Doctoral students to support their most promising research, leading to new discoveries like more accurate imaging for medical diagnoses and training Scotland's science leaders of the future.”
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