Oxford, UK – Two researchers from the University of Oxford have been awarded the prestigious Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowships, part of an initiative by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). These fellowships are designed to support early-career scientists in becoming future leaders in the UK’s rapidly advancing quantum technology sector.
Out of the 11 fellowships granted nationwide—amounting to a total investment of £15 million—two have been awarded to Oxford academics: Dr. Jacob Blackmore from the Department of Physics and Dr. Zhenyu Cai from the Department of Engineering Science.
The Quantum Technology Fellowships aim to fast-track the careers of exceptional researchers by funding innovative projects and fostering stronger links with industry and end-users. The program is part of a broader effort to grow the UK’s high-tech economy through cutting-edge research and development.
Dr. Jacob Blackmore expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating:
“Since joining the ion trapping group here in Oxford, I have been fortunate enough to learn from an array of world-leading scientists. The EPSRC Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowship is my opportunity to make a significant mark on the group and the quantum technology landscape by bringing my experience of molecular systems into Oxford’s excellent quantum computing community. Further, this funding enables me to make real an idea that I have been thinking about for a number of years, a prospect which I am hugely excited about!”
Government officials and academic leaders have commended the fellowships as a key component of the UK’s strategy for technological innovation and economic growth.
Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science and Technology, emphasized the transformative potential of quantum research:
“Quantum – manipulating the universe at its smallest scale – has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country – stopping fraudsters in their tracks, protecting our bank accounts and more. Backing our world-class quantum researchers and businesses is an important part of our Plan for Change.”
Professor Charlotte Deane, EPSRC Executive Chair and a Professor in Oxford’s Department of Statistics, highlighted the sector’s future impact:
“The Quantum Technologies sector is rapidly growing and evolving, so building a diverse and thriving workforce that can drive this forward is vital to unlocking economic and societal benefits in the future. By investing in the most promising researchers, not only are we boosting quantum skills, but we are also strengthening the research base and ensuring the UK can realise the incredible potential of new quantum technologies.”
The fellowships not only recognize scientific excellence but also serve as a foundation for long-term contributions to the UK’s leadership in quantum innovation.
