A groundbreaking new strategy to maximize the UK’s membership in CERN, the world-renowned particle accelerator lab, was unveiled today by the Science and Technology Secretary during her visit to the North West region. Alongside this, a state-of-the-art quantum computing center was inaugurated, signaling the UK’s commitment to becoming a global leader in quantum technology.
CERN, located in Geneva, is a hub of scientific and technical excellence, housing some of the largest and most complex experiments ever built. The new strategy acknowledges the prominent role the UK already plays in CERN but recognizes the untapped potential for even greater returns on investment.
Highlighting the cutting-edge scientific advancements taking place in the UK, the Science and Technology Secretary inaugurated PsiQuantum’s advanced research and development facility at Sci-Tech Daresbury. As the first facility of its kind outside of the US, PsiQuantum’s quantum R&D center was supported with £9 million in government funding.
PsiQuantum’s decision to expand their operations in the UK speaks volumes about the country’s quantum capabilities and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. With a National Quantum Strategy backing £2.5 billion over the next decade, the UK aims to drive the adoption of quantum technologies across various sectors, from healthcare to green technology.
The new facility at Sci-Tech Daresbury will focus on the development of advanced cryogenic systems, crucial for building fault-tolerant quantum computers. These machines will be the first commercially useful quantum computing systems capable of tackling complex global challenges such as climate change and healthcare.
By choosing the UK as its first overseas expansion site, PsiQuantum recognizes the wealth of scientific talent and cryogenic infrastructure available at Daresbury Laboratory. Collaborating with the Hartree Centre, PsiQuantum aims to develop fault-tolerant applications in preparation for the arrival of utility-scale quantum computing.
The UK’s engagement with CERN has always been significant since its inception. The new Strategic Framework, built upon research excellence, world-class skills, international leadership, commercial impact, and innovation, aims to solidify the UK’s role in driving scientific and technological progress at CERN.
The consultation process for the strategy involved input from stakeholders across the UK CERN community, ensuring that it reflects a collective vision to unlock the full potential of the UK’s investment in CERN. This will not only benefit the UK economically but will also strengthen collaborations with international partners and create opportunities for engineers and scientists to develop their skills at the forefront of science and technology.
With quantum technology identified as one of the critical technologies for the UK’s future economic growth, this new strategy aligns with the government’s vision and commitment to boosting innovation and technological advancements.
FAQ:
Q: What is CERN?
A: CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, is a world-renowned facility in Geneva that conducts cutting-edge experiments and research in physics.
Q: What is quantum computing?
A: Quantum computing is a revolutionary field that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to process information, offering the potential for solving complex problems more efficiently than traditional computers.
Q: What is the UK’s National Quantum Strategy?
A: The National Quantum Strategy is a government-backed initiative that aims to drive the adoption of quantum technologies across various sectors, backed by £2.5 billion in funding over the next ten years.
Sources:
– STFC Official Website: [LINK_URL]
– PsiQuantum Official Website: [LINK_URL]