This summer’s Quantum Fringe brought together students, scientists and the public for a programme of inspiring events – while also providing an opportunity to celebrate the third anniversary of the Quantum Software Lab (QSL) at the University of Edinburgh.
Since its launch in 2023, QSL has grown from around 15 members to almost 100 researchers, working across quantum theory, algorithms, software and real-world applications.
Its strategic partnership with the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) has played an important role in that journey, giving researchers opportunities to work directly with emerging quantum hardware through the NQCC’s seven testbed platforms, spanning leading qubit modalities.
As Professor Elham Kashefi, Chief Scientist of the NQCC and Director of the QSL, puts it:
“Quantum computing is almost always told as a hardware story, but a machine only matters if it can give you an answer that is useful and that can be trusted.”
That is where quantum software comes in – turning increasingly capable quantum technologies into tools that can deliver practical value.
With QSL now poised to lead a £20 million project focused on tools, methods and systems for useful quantum computing, the next chapter promises to be just as exciting.
A great reflection on three years of growth, collaboration and progress – and on the important role of software in turning quantum potential into practical impact.
Read the full article in Physics World here.