UN’s Year of Quantum Closes as Imperial Advances Research

Imperial College London, led by Provost and Deputy President Professor Peter Haynes, has significantly advanced quantum research, training, and enterprise throughout 2025, coinciding with the United Nations’ designation of the year as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Through the Centre for Quantum Science, Engineering and Technology (QuEST) and other initiatives, Imperial researchers delivered breakthroughs including a demonstration—led by Professor Michael Vanner—of cooling objects by detecting an absence of light. This work, utilizing dilution fridges to reach temperatures near absolute zero, positions Imperial to harness the transformative potential of quantum technologies and lead this emerging revolution. Imperial’s Quantum Research and Breakthroughs Imperial’s quantum research saw a breakthrough in March when researchers, led by Professor Michael Vanner, demonstrated a method to cool objects by detecting an absence of light. This fundamental discovery has potential applications in cooling quantum systems crucial for advancing quantum computers and networks. Additionally, QuEST researchers received international recognition at the IEEE conference, successfully integrating quantum processors with high performance computing – a vital step toward scalable quantum machine learning, achieved in collaboration with ORCA Computing and Poland’s Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Centre. Imperial actively fostered quantum innovation through collaboration and training.

The London Quantum Cluster (LQC), launched with UCL and King’s College London, aims to unify research and investment. QuEST launched “Quantum Fundamentals,” an eight-week training course for UK government officials, with over 15 departments participating. New modules and courses were introduced, including “Materials for Quantum” and a new MSc in Sensor Systems Engineering, demonstrating a commitment to building future quantum leaders and expanding expertise. Imperial’s quantum research extends beyond the UK, with significant global connections. The ICoNYCh transatlantic collaboration facilitated visits between QuEST researchers and the Chicago Quantum Exchange. Partnerships were explored with Denmark and South Africa, and Imperial participated in IYQ celebrations in Ghana and the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where quantum technology was discussed as a key element of the India-UK Technology Security Initiative. These efforts showcase Imperial’s international influence in the field.

Driving Quantum Innovation and Impact Imperial College London actively drove quantum innovation and impact throughout 2025, designated the International Year of Quantum. Through its Centre for Quantum Science, Engineering and Technology (QuEST), the college achieved breakthroughs like cooling objects by detecting the absence of light—potentially vital for cooling quantum computers. QuEST researchers also integrated quantum processors with high-performance computing, a key step towards scalable quantum machine learning, recognized at the IEEE conference. Imperial collaborated to accelerate the quantum economy, launching the London Quantum Cluster with UCL and King’s College London, backed by the Greater London Authority. This involved workshops with Innovate UK, investor masterclasses, and educating venture capitalists on quantum opportunities via the Institute for Deep Tech Entrepreneurship. PsiQuantum, co-founded by an Imperial academic, secured $1 billion in funding, demonstrating commercial viability and investor confidence. Beyond research and enterprise, Imperial focused on quantum skills and policy engagement. QuEST launched “Quantum Fundamentals,” an eight-week training course for UK government officials, with over 15 departments participating. Dr. Jess Wade served on the Quantum Skills Taskforce and provided evidence to the House of Commons, advocating for a robust UK quantum ecosystem and Imperial’s leadership within it. New modules and courses were launched to train future quantum leaders. We explored the quantum nature of light at Imperial’s Diwali-themed Lates in October, and quantum clocks – which keep time by measuring the reliable vibrations (or ticks) of atoms – at the Imperial Lates on Time in November.

Quantum Policy Engagement and Skills Development Imperial College London actively engaged in quantum policy and skills development throughout 2025. QuEST and the Imperial Policy Forum launched “Quantum Fundamentals,” an eight-week training course for UK government officials, attracting participants from over 15 departments. This initiative aimed to improve policymakers’ understanding of quantum science and the ecosystem, demonstrating the UK Government’s commitment to the sector. Additionally, Dr. Jess Wade served on the Quantum Skills Taskforce, advocating for increased quantum opportunities for engineers. To further cultivate future quantum leaders, Imperial launched new educational modules and courses, including “Materials for Quantum” and an MSc in Sensor Systems Engineering. Student-led workshops supported postgraduate students exploring quantum career paths, and two PhD researchers mapped the UK’s quantum job market. A second “Quantum Fundamentals” course welcomed another group of civil servants, while Dr. Wade provided evidence to the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee regarding the UK quantum ecosystem. Imperial’s commitment extends beyond training.

Professor Ian Walmsley and Dr. Jess Wade were appointed to the UK Quantum Strategic Advisory Board, influencing government strategy. These efforts highlight Imperial’s role in building a skilled quantum workforce and ensuring the UK remains competitive in this rapidly evolving field. The initiatives support the UK government’s ongoing commitment to quantum technologies and innovation.

Establishing Global Quantum Connections Imperial College London actively fostered global quantum connections throughout 2025. Researchers visited the Chicago Quantum Exchange and Fermilab as part of the ICoNYCh transatlantic collaboration, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. This UK/US partnership aligned with the ambitions of the UK-US Tech Prosperity Deal, demonstrated by events featuring Michael Kratsios and Liz Kendall at Imperial. The college also hosted workshops uniting quantum experts from London, New York, and Chicago. International conversations extended beyond the US, with the Danish Science Minister visiting Imperial to explore closer ties and a South African delegation seeking potential partnerships with QuEST. Imperial researchers participated in the International Year of Quantum celebrations in Ghana, launching a Global Hub there. Discussions surrounding quantum technology also occurred at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, involving the Prime Minister of the UK and India, with quantum as a key pillar of the India-UK Technology Security Initiative. Furthermore, Imperial showcased research collaborations with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, applying quantum computing to biotech for climate-resilient crops. A roundtable on emerging technologies was hosted by Imperial Global India at the Bengaluru Tech Summit in November. A visit from Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong included a tour of Dr. Cotter’s quantum inertial sensing lab, demonstrating navigation systems trialed by the Navy. The transformative power of quantum technologies is undeniable – and our world-class talent, facilities, partnerships and vision means Imperial is uniquely placed to lead this revolution as we begin to harness quantum’s vast potential.Professor Peter Haynes Public Engagement with Quantum Science Imperial College London actively engaged the public with quantum science through events like “Weird Science” themed Imperial Lates, kicking off the International Year of Quantum (IYQ). The college also partnered with the London Centre for Nanotechnology for the largest UK celebration of World Quantum Day on April 14th. These initiatives aimed to showcase latest findings and discuss bizarre quantum phenomena, directly engaging a public audience with the field and its complexities. Beyond public events, Imperial fostered quantum understanding within the UK government. QuEST and the Imperial Policy Forum launched “Quantum Fundamentals,” an eight-week training course for officials from over 15 government departments. This initiative highlights a commitment to ensuring policymakers understand quantum science and the evolving quantum ecosystem, demonstrating a dedicated effort to bridge the gap between research and governmental awareness. Imperial also focused on training the next generation of quantum leaders, hosting a student-led workshop to support postgraduate students exploring quantum careers. Two PhD researchers mapped the UK’s quantum job market, and new modules and courses – including “Materials for Quantum” and an MSc in Sensor Systems Engineering – were launched. This commitment to skills development alongside government training demonstrates a comprehensive approach to advancing quantum science. Source: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/articles/2025/imperials-year-of-quantum-/ Tags: