Lund University launches a new Centre for Quantum Technology

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Lund University in Sweden has launched a new Centre for Quantum Technology, bringing together quantum researchers who were previously spread across different faculties. The centre was established on 1 October and is chaired by Professor Peter Samuelsson, with Professor Martin Leijnse as vice chair. Among the initiators is Anne L'Huillier, who shared the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics for her work on attosecond pulses of light. Having a Nobel laureate involved gives it real weight

The research covers quantum physics and semiconductors, photonics and quantum sensors, nanoscience through Lund Nano Lab, laser research through the Lund Laser Centre, and quantum communication and sensing. Lund also has two major research facilities on its doorstep, the MAX IV synchrotron and the European Spallation Source. Very few universities have that kind of infrastructure nearby. It gives the new centre a strong base. Synchrotron light and neutrons are powerful tools for studying materials

The goal is to strengthen collaboration, make Lund's quantum work more visible, coordinate funding applications and support curiosity driven basic research. Samuelsson said they believe the centre will strengthen quantum research, help it become more visible and build the critical mass needed to advance the field. Leijnse said they can address issues in a much more strategic way as a group. The centre also takes part in Sweden's WACQT programme and the Swedish Center for Quantum Technology

This kind of reorganisation sounds dull, but it often makes a big difference. Researchers in different departments can easily work on related problems without ever talking to each other. Bringing them under one roof helps share equipment, ideas and students. It also makes it much easier to win large grants, which increasingly favour big, coordinated teams

Sweden has been building up its quantum efforts steadily, particularly through Chalmers and WACQT. Lund adds strengths in nanowires, lasers and sensing. Do university quantum centres like this change much? And is Europe spreading its quantum research too thinly across many small hubs?

New centre brings together Lund University's quantum researchwww.lunduniversity.lu.se