Walton Institute secures €4m project to train next generation of quantum computing researchers
Walton Institute at South East Technological University has been selected to coordinate Questing, a €4 million Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral network that will train the next generation of quantum internet experts. The project brings together nine European universities and 13 industry partners to address one of the continent’s most pressing technology challenges.
Questing is the first doctoral network to tackle the complete lifecycle of distributed quantum networks. Over the coming years, it will train 15 fully-funded PhD candidates as ‘Q-System Innovators’ – specialists with rare interdisciplinary expertise spanning quantum technology, communications, computing, and social sciences.
The project addresses a critical skills shortage. Quantum networks promise to revolutionise secure communications and distributed computing, but Europe requires a trained workforce to design, manage, and operate these systems at scale.
By training specialists who understand quantum systems from design through to deployment, Questing aims to give Europe a competitive edge in the race to build the Quantum Internet. The project will establish a harmonised doctoral curriculum that becomes the European standard for training in quantum network systems.
Dr Indrakshi Dey, Principal Investigator of Questing at Walton Institute (pictured), said: “We are not just offering 15 PhD positions,” she said. “We are inviting exceptional minds to join an elite, interdisciplinary team backed by industry leaders and world-class infrastructure.”
The project represents a significant boost to the country’s position in quantum research. As coordinator, Walton Institute will manage the entire consortium enhancing its international profile and attracting top doctoral talent to the south east region. The institute brings extensive experience leading large-scale EU projects to the role.
Dr Deirdre Kilbane, director of research, Walton Institute, SETU, said: “We are expanding on our existing quantum expertise with the announcement of this Questing project here in Walton Institute. Our team of researchers will be leaders in theoretical modelling and optimisation of advanced quantum networks which will benefit society in untold ways.”
The Questing consortium includes Trinity College Dublin and University of Galway’s Irish Centre for High-End Computing among its partners. Industry collaborators include Airbus Defence and Space, British Telecommunications, Telecom Italia, and the Austrian Institute of Technology.
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