Joint Research Unit on Quantum Science And Technology (JRU-QST)

Research Groups at University of Burgos (UBU):

Research Team (external):

Coordination:

Motivation and context:

The current “second quantum revolution” is based on the properties of the states of quantum systems composed of very few particles, such as superposition and entanglement. Emerging Quantum Technologies thus appear as a consequence of the real possibility of controlled manipulation at an atomic scale of these essentially quantum properties of matter and light.

Quantum Science and Technology (QST) is an essentially multidisciplinary field of research, development and innovation in full bloom, in which the following main areas of work could be highlighted:

  • From a fundamental point of view, the study through quantum information theory of the so-called “quantum phenomena and resources” that allow modelling quantum systems and generating the algorithms that make possible the development of the hardware and software necessary for the different Quantum Technologies;
  • The development of quantum communication protocols and systems and networks that can guarantee greater security in data transmission. In particular, the achievement of quantum memories and repeaters that enable the extensive implementation of these new secure communication systems;
  • The development of quantum algorithms and computers capable of solving problems that are beyond the capabilities of current classical computers (in particular, the search for advantageous quantum algorithms for Artificial Intelligence problems). These algorithms can also be implemented on classical computers (quantum simulators);
  • The development of new quantum sensors (gravimeters, magnetometers, etc.) and metrology procedures based on the unprecedented sensitivity that allows the manipulation and control of quantum states.

The European Union has considered research on Quantum Science and Technology as strategic for the next two decades. In response to the “Quantum Manifesto” signed in 2016 by industries, research institutes and researchers, it has launched the “Quantum Technologies” (QT) Flagship project, which, with a budget of 1,000 million euros and a duration of 10 years, aims to place Europe at the forefront of the second quantum revolution. This decisive European commitment to research in QST has recently been taken on by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain, which has first considered Quantum Communications as one of the eight priority areas for its Complementary R&D&I Plan within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. In addition, the Ministry has promoted the Quantum Spain project, which will address the creation of a quantum computing ecosystem for Artificial Intelligence (AI) based on a public-private cooperation model with the aim of making Spain the quantum node of southern Europe. Moreover, UNESCO has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. This year-long global initiative "will be observed through initiatives at all levels aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of quantum science and its applications."

Scope:

In this context, the “Joint Research Unit in Quantum Science and Technology” (JRU-QST) is a singular research structure at the UBU created to support and enhance the research, development, innovation, knowledge transfer and training activities that different GIRs at the UBU wish to carry out in the field of Quantum Science and Technology.

This initiative arises initially, on the one hand, from the participation of the Mathematical Physics and Materials Simulation groups in the Complementary Plan for Quantum Communications of Castilla y León 2021-2025, financed with PRTR funds by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and by the Junta de Castilla y León, and managed at a regional level by the Castilla y León Supercomputing Center Foundation (SCAYLE). On the other hand, from the existing collaboration between the Applied Computational Intelligence group and the Technological Institute of Castilla y León (ITCL) for the creation of the Laboratory for Quantum Computing  (LaCoCu) of the UBU. Finally, the Instrumental Analysis group will also contribute in the research related to quantum sensors.

The fundamental objective of the creation of the JRU-QST is to provide a strategic response to the UBU that allows it to position itself nationally and internationally in research, development and innovation in the field of Quantum Science and Technology. The creation of the JRU-QST will allow to intensify and make visible the activity carried out by the UBU research groups in the field of Quantum Science and Technology, promoting their synergies, atracting talent, sharing their resources and infrastructures and also fostering collaboration with external entities, such as SCAYLE and ITCL. Likewise, the creation of the JRU-QST will allow to reach the critical mass necessary to facilitate access to regional, national and European sources of funding. Finally, JRU-QST aims to contribute to improving the knowledge of Quantum Science and Technology by society in general, including its social, ethical and environmental implications.

Última actualización: 24 de Enero de 2025