Quantum technology is high on the agenda, with research taking place across several areas at Lund University. Now, the university's quantum researchers are being brought together in a new centre based at the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University. The centre aims to strengthen collaboration in quantum science, raise the visibility of research in the field, and create better conditions for new ideas to emerge.
Quantum research at Lund University spans multiple disciplines, from quantum physics and semiconductors to photonics and quantum sensors. Until now, however, there has been no structure that unites these activities.
One of the centre's key tasks will be to provide a shared meeting place for researchers who are currently organised across different parts of the university.
"Quantum research at Lund University has so far been quite dispersed, with research in fields such as engineering, science and law. We are now creating a common arena where expertise can come together, new connections can be found, and development can move forward," says Erik Renström, Vice-Chancellor of Lund University.
"Issues can be handled more strategically"
The chair of the new centre's steering group is Peter Samuelsson, professor of theoretical physics. He says:
"We believe the centre will strengthen quantum research in Lund as a whole. We will be able to act in a more coordinated way, become more visible and, above all, build the critical mass needed to further develop the field."
Within the centre, researchers will coordinate strategic initiatives, research funding applications and recruitment efforts. The centre will also promote closer collaboration across faculties and with other quantum research environments outside the university.
"We are already used to discussing issues together, but it is very valuable that this is now being formalised. It means we can address issues in a much more strategic way as a group," says Martin Leijnse, vice-chair of the steering group and professor of condensed matter physics.
Creating space for the unexplored
The quantum centre has several ambitions, one of which is to create room for research that does not always fit within established research pathways.
"We want to pursue curiosity-driven basic research and make space for ideas that might otherwise not find support. You cannot simply follow well-trodden paths. Our role must also be to explore new directions," says Peter Samuelsson.
The hope is that the centre will help make Lund an even more attractive destination for researchers in quantum technology.
"Lund has many advantages. There is already a strong tradition in fields that underpin quantum technology, including nanoscience and laser research, as well as the associated research infrastructures Lund Nano Lab and the Lund Laser Centre. We also have the large-scale facilities MAX IV and ESS, which are important for quantum research," says Martin Leijnse.
Looking ahead, the centre aims to contribute to cutting edge research in strategic technology areas that are expected to play a major role in future electronics, communications and measurement technologies, including quantum sensors.
"We cannot steer research in a particular direction, but we can identify points of connection between different fields and create new pathways forward," Peter Samuelsson concludes
