Supporting future leaders in UK quantum technologies

2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. This year-long initiative is celebrating the profound impacts of quantum science on technology, culture and our understanding of the natural world.

Quantum technology works by using the principles of quantum mechanics (the physics of sub-atomic particles), including entanglement and superposition. These principles are central to new types of computing, communication, sensing and imaging – all of which outperform their classical counterparts. Over the last ten years the UK has led the world in translating quantum technologies to the commercial world. Alongside major scientific and engineering breakthroughs, the UK has inspired and trained hundreds of quantum researchers and supported other countries in establishing their own quantum programmes.

In recognition of the interdisciplinary, collaborative, multi-sector ecosystem required to successfully design, build, scale and deploy quantum technologies, this symposium didn’t follow the traditional Rank Symposia format. Instead, we invited senior figures from across the quantum sector (policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs) to meet with early-career researchers aspiring to become quantum leaders one day themselves. The agenda was formed around panel discussion groups covering key topics: the past and future of the UK quantum programme, responsible innovation and ethics, challenges and opportunities to commercialising quantum and how we shape up compared to our international counterparts. The primary objective was to facilitate the growth of cross-sector, cross-career stage and cross-country professional networks.

The panel-based format and range of participants, especially those beyond being a front-line research practitioner, was an experiment for Rank Prize. The overwhelmingly positive feedback received from both the early-career researchers and senior participants indicates that this may be a useful (refreshing) format for other technical domains.

Professor Miles Padgett, University of Glasgow

Professor Mehul Malik, Heriot-Watt University

Dr Jess Wade, Imperial College London