Two researchers from the University of Oxford have been awarded Quantum Technology Fellowships. These Fellowships are designed to advance researchers' careers towards leading global positions and to ensure the UK remains a key player in quantum technology. The initiative aims to strengthen the link between research and commercialization, offering significant benefits to the economy and society.
Professor Charlotte Deane of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the University of Oxford emphasized the importance of fostering a capable workforce in the rapidly evolving Quantum Technologies sector. She stated, "By investing in the most promising researchers, not only are we boosting quantum skills, but we are also strengthening the research base and ensuring the UK can realise the incredible potential of new quantum technologies."
Additionally, the Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Peter Kyle, highlighted the economic benefits of backing quantum researchers, noting, "Quantum – manipulating the universe at its smallest scale – has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs, and improve businesses across the country."
Among the recipients is Dr. Jacob Blackmore from Oxford's Department of Physics. Dr. Blackmore focuses on ion-trap quantum computing, having joined Oxford in February 2021. His research, backed by Innovate UK, includes developing scalable ion-trap technologies in collaboration with Infleqtion. He is enthusiastic about the Fellowship's potential, saying, “The EPSRC Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowship is my opportunity to make a significant mark on the group and the quantum technology landscape.”
Dr. Zhenyu Cai, from Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science, also received a Fellowship. As a leading figure in quantum error mitigation, Dr. Cai aims to create a comprehensive toolkit for error-suppression in quantum machines. He expressed his excitement for the Fellowship, adding, "The timing is ideal, as it opens up many opportunities to collaborate closely with the newly launched Oxford QCI3 Quantum Hub, the National Quantum Computing Centre nearby, and industrial partners."
The EPSRC Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowship details are available on their official website.