Heriot-Watt University celebrates International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025

As we embark on the UNESCO-designated International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, Heriot-Watt University proudly reflects on our pivotal role in advancing quantum sciences and photonics. This global initiative commemorates a century since the inception of quantum mechanics, a field that has fundamentally transformed our understanding of the universe and led to groundbreaking technological innovations.

The significance of quantum science and photonics

Quantum science explores the behaviour of matter and energy at the smallest scales, revealing phenomena that defy classical intuition, such as superposition and entanglement. Photonics, the science of light, intersects with quantum mechanics to enable technologies like lasers, optical fibres, and quantum computing. Together, these fields underpin advancements in secure communication, medical imaging, and precision sensing, driving the next wave of technological evolution.

Heriot-Watt’s legacy in quantum and photonics research

With over 40 years of pioneering research, Heriot-Watt’s Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPAQS) has been at the forefront of these scientific domains. Our interdisciplinary approach encompasses:

• Ultrafast laser science and technology – developing state-of-the-art laser systems for applications ranging from medical procedures to manufacturing processes.
• Quantum technology – advancing quantum communication, computation, and sensing to revolutionise data security and processing capabilities.
• Applied optics and laser systems – innovating optical systems for environmental monitoring, defence, and industrial automation.

Leading national quantum initiatives

Heriot-Watt leads the £11 million UKRI-funded Integrated Quantum Networks Hub (IQN), collaborating with over 40 industry partners to accelerate the development of secure quantum communication networks, aiming to revolutionise global information transmission and protection.

We are also involved in four of the five UK quantum technology hubs, established by UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), to ensure the UK maximises the potential of quantum technologies:

• UK Hub for Quantum-Enabled Position, Navigation, and Timing (QEPNT) – enhancing next-generation navigation systems.
• UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging, and Timing (QuSIT) – developing quantum-based sensing and imaging for applications in medicine, security, and climate science.
• UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub (Q-BIOMED) – applying quantum sensing to biomedical and healthcare challenges.

These hubs collectively leverage over £54 million in contributions from industry, with IQN alone securing over £20 million in industrial support to translate quantum innovations into new products and services. Our teams collaborate with organisations ranging from startups to multinational corporations, including the National Cyber Security Centre and Scottish Enterprise.

State-of-the-art research facilities

Heriot-Watt is also home to the Hub Optical Ground Station telescope, a cutting-edge facility providing a live testbed for photonics-enabled satellite communication networks. This pioneering infrastructure supports free-space optical communication, an emerging technology that could transform global connectivity.

Our Quantum Photonics Laboratory operates at the intersection of quantum optics, condensed-matter physics, electrical engineering, and materials science, creating novel quantum devices with applications in secure networking and nanoscale sensing.

Global engagement and knowledge sharing

In November 2024, Heriot-Watt hosted the prestigious Single Photon Workshop, the world’s largest conference dedicated to single-photon technologies and their applications. This landmark event highlighted our commitment to international collaboration and driving forward advancements in quantum science.

Looking ahead

We invite academics, industry leaders, and businesses of all sizes to engage with our research and innovation throughout the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Whether you’re looking to explore collaboration opportunities, apply quantum and photonics advancements to real-world challenges, or connect with our expertise, we welcome the opportunity to work together.

Discover more about our quantum and photonics expertise by visiting our Quantum Sciences and Photonics pages or contact us at GRID@hw.ac.uk to discuss potential collaborations.