ERC Funds 5-Year Heriot-Watt Study of Light-Based Quantum Tech
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Professor Mehul Malik, from the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, has been awarded a grant exceeding £2.6 million by the European Research Council (ERC) to advance next-generation quantum technologies. The five-year QUEST project will investigate the utilization of light’s multi-modal properties—its structure in space and time, and color—to efficiently generate and distribute entanglement over large-scale optical fiber networks.
This research focuses on entanglement, a critical component for quantum computing and networking, aiming to overcome challenges in developing bright, on-demand sources and enabling long-distance quantum communication. ERC Grant Funds Quantum Research Heriot-Watt University’s Professor Mehul Malik has been awarded over £2.6 million by the European Research Council (ERC) through the ERC Consolidator Grant QUEST. This funding will support a five-year project focused on advancing next-generation quantum technologies for computing and networking. The research aims to utilize the multi-modal properties of light – specifically its structure in space and time, and color – to efficiently generate and distribute entanglement, a crucial element for many quantum applications. The QUEST project differentiates itself by focusing on harnessing the spatial and temporal properties of light, allowing single photons to be shaped and sculpted. Professor Malik’s team will address key challenges, including developing bright, on-demand sources of entanglement and extending its reach over large distances via optical fiber networks. This work builds upon existing collaborations within Heriot-Watt and its participation in the UK National Quantum Technology Hubs for Integrated Quantum Networks and Quantum Sensing. This funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe program supports vital “blue-sky” or curiosity-driven research. Professor Malik stresses the importance of this type of research, allowing exploration of ambitious ideas that companies might avoid due to risk. The ERC’s support is considered essential for translating these fundamental scientific advancements into practical, affordable, and scalable quantum technologies, potentially leading to new industries and societal benefits. Focus on Light’s Properties for Entanglement Professor Mehul Malik has been awarded a £2.6 million grant to investigate how the properties of light—specifically its structure in space and time, or color—can advance quantum technologies. The five-year QUEST project centers on entanglement, a crucial element for quantum computing and networking, aiming to develop methods for efficient generation and distribution across optical fiber networks.
This research deviates from relying on electrical signals, instead utilizing connections between particles of light as the foundation for next-generation technology. The project uniquely focuses on harnessing light’s spatial and temporal characteristics, acknowledging that light can carry information through images or pulses. Professor Malik’s team intends to sculpt single photons—quantum particles of light—in similar ways to enhance entanglement generation, measurement, and distribution. Key challenges include developing bright, on-demand entanglement sources and reliably transmitting it over long distances, alongside accurately measuring complex quantum states. This blue-sky research, supported by the EU’s Horizon Europe program, is vital because it explores ambitious ideas beyond immediate commercial viability. Professor Malik emphasizes the importance of academic exploration, allowing his team – based within the Beyond Binary Quantum Information Lab (BBQLab) – to push boundaries, building on existing collaborations within Heriot-Watt and the UK’s National Quantum Technology Hubs. We are trying to develop entirely new ways to efficiently generate entanglement and distribute it over large-scale optical fibre networks. Importance of Blue-Sky, Curiosity-Driven Research Professor Malik’s research, funded by a £2.6 million grant, emphasizes the importance of “blue-sky” or curiosity-driven research. This type of academic investigation allows exploration of ambitious, risky ideas that companies often avoid due to commercial viability concerns. This fundamental exploration is essential; it fuels potentially groundbreaking advancements in quantum technologies—specifically entanglement generation, measurement, and distribution—and ultimately bridges the gap towards practical, affordable, and scalable applications. The five-year QUEST project focuses on harnessing the spatial and temporal properties of light to enhance quantum technologies. This differs from conventional approaches by manipulating the structure and profile of photons—particles of light—to improve entanglement. Professor Malik stresses that this fundamental investigation is crucial, as it expands beyond immediate commercial targets, paving the way for exciting possibilities in computing, networking, cybersecurity, healthcare, and energy—areas where scalable quantum technologies promise significant improvements.
The European Research Council (ERC) plays a vital role in supporting this type of fundamental research. According to Professor Leptin, President of the ERC, grants like these are essential to fostering talent and groundbreaking ideas within Europe. The ERC’s funding, originating from the Horizon Europe programme, supports cutting-edge research across 25 EU member states, potentially leading to new industries and improved lives—underscoring the importance of increased EU investment in frontier research. Source: https://www.hw.ac.uk/news/2025/major-european-grant-boosts-quantum-research-at-heriot-watt-university Tags: