Area of investment and support

Quantum technologies for fundamental physics

This programme demonstrates how the application of quantum technologies will advance the understanding of fundamental physics questions, such as:

• the search for dark matter
• the nature of gravity
• measurements of the quantum properties of elementary particles

• Budget: £40 million
• Duration: From 2019 to 2025, with three funding rounds
• Partners involved: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) (lead), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

The scope and what we're doing

Quantum technologies for fundamental physics’ (QTFP) is a £40 million Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) programme.

The programme aims to demonstrate how the latest advances in quantum science and technology can be used to investigate key fundamental physics questions such as:

• the search for dark matter
• the nature of gravity
• measurements of the quantum properties of elementary particles

This will ensure the UK remains a ‘first rank’ nation in the physics and quantum communities around the world.

We have funded seven large consortia and 17 smaller projects in two funding rounds. A third funding round is expected to run in 2023.

For more information on the programme, visit the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) website.

Why we're doing it

The investment intends to transform our approach to understanding the universe. It will be the first of its type in the UK to exploit quantum technologies in physics, contributing to sustaining the UK as a ‘first rank’ nation in physics and quantum communities globally.

This work will investigate key fundamental physics questions by harnessing skills and technologies developed in the UK, which is expected to bring benefits to the UK including:

• a new cadre of quantum trained researchers
• new and developed scientific quantum sensors
• embedding quantum technology into the physics community
• high -impact scientific results including the potential for ground-breaking science advances in dark matter and atomic scale precision measurements

By providing an investment in stretching quantum technologies to help further the understanding of the universe, QTFP will:

• improve and widen the UK’s skills base in physics
• lower the barrier for entry to industrial partners delivering the cutting-edge technology required to probe these questions
• keep the UK’s world -leading research base at the top of the global rankings

Past projects, outcomes and impact

For details of all projects funded by the programme, visit the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) website.

Who to contact

Email: qtfp@stfc.ukri.org

Last updated: 13 March 2023