The University of Cambridge has been chosen as one of the world’s top ten universities and research institutions by The Quantum Daily, a leading online publication in the field of quantum computing.

It describes Cambridge as being “at the apex of the country’s pioneering quantum movement”.

“Several quantum computing startups have spun out of the University, while many other quantum organizations made their homes near Cambridge because of the ready access to world-leading talent and brainpower,” the publication continues.

Professor Adrian Kent, a quantum physicist at the University’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, told Varsity: “Recognition is always pleasing, of course, but we’re really focussed on enjoying work in this amazing field and doing the best science we can.”

The Quantum Daily describes the Centre for Quantum Information and Foundations (CQIF), based at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, as “an example of the University’s ability to combine research, teaching and service to encourage the growth of this ecosystem.”

Conventional (‘classical’) computers use the bit (binary digit) as a unit of information, which can exist in one of two states represented by the digits 0 and 1. Quantum computers, on the other hand, operate on quantum bits, or qubits.

Qubits are governed by the laws of quantum mechanics, so can exist in both states at once. This phenomenon, known as entanglement, may in future allow quantum computers to perform calculations inaccessible to their classical counterparts.

Research at the CQIF currently focuses on “theoretical and practical quantum cryptography and relativistic quantum cryptography – a field invented at the CQIF,” Kent and his colleagues told Varsity.

Quantum cryptography research is driven by the fact that the state of quantum systems is sensitive to measurement and observation, in principle making them ideal for secure communications.

The CQIF is a member of the UK Quantum Communications Hub, which Kent and the other researchers describe as a “collaboration between many UK research groups, one of whose projects is building a secure quantum cryptographic network that will link nodes in Cambridge to Ipswich, London, Bristol and beyond.”

Other research at the Centre investigates “foundational questions probing the basic principles of quantum theory itself and its relationship to classical physics and gravity,” as well as the overlap between quantum computing and classical computer science.

CQIF is also examining “quantum advantage”, or “why quantum computers are faster than classical computers”, the researchers explained. A better understanding of “key differences between behaviours of classical and quantum systems” will help answer questions about how to build efficient quantum computers and design software to run on them.

Quantum information theory, the study of information transmission and manipulation in quantum systems, is another focus of research at the CQIF. In particular, Kent and his colleagues are interested in removing the “traditionally considered assumptions” to understand information transmission in “more realistic” conditions.

One such assumption is that quantum systems are “memoryless”, meaning the probability of an event occurring does not depend on how much time has elapsed since the last event, they explained.

The researchers told Varsity of their enjoyment of “the depth and breadth of research in the CQIF, and the diverse backgrounds and expertise” of those working at the centre.

“It often leads to useful discussions between the different members of CQIF, resulting in cross-fertilization of ideas from different areas, useful insights and, ultimately, exciting results,” they continued.

“This recognition will hopefully contribute to more talented young scientists aspiring to work in this inspiring place.”

In addition to Cambridge, The Quantum Daily’s list includes other organisations from around the world. The Chinese Academy of Science, the Max Planck Society and Harvard University were among those chosen.