The Youth Quantum Summit at the University of Oxford was one of the largest in-person quantum events for Sixth Form students in the UK. Having a range of speakers, from Professor David Deutsch (one of the pioneers of quantum computation) to IBM Qiskit Advocate Maria, we hosted a day where students got a direct glimpse into world-leading quantum research and the quantum industry. Thank you very much to our sponsors! Here are some photos from the day…

Introduction to UK Quantum Communications (Professor Tim Spiller, University of York)

Abstract: In this talk I'll outline the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme and the role of the Quantum Communications Hub. I'll present an introduction to quantum key distribution (QKD) and describe the QKD technologies that we are developing in the Hub.

Bio: Professor Tim Spiller is founding Director of the York Centre for Quantum Technologies and Director of the Quantum Communications Hub. Prior to this, he was at the University of Leeds in the roles of Head of the Quantum Information Group and Director of Research for the School of Physics and Astronomy. Prior to 2009, Spiller was Director of Quantum Information Processing (QIP) Research at HP Labs Bristol – an activity that he established in 1995 – and a Hewlett-Packard Distinguished Scientist. He has spent over 40 years researching quantum theory, superconducting systems and quantum hardware and technologies.

Introduction to networked quantum technologies (Dr. Jasminder Sidhu, University of Stathclyde)

Abstract: Networked quantum technologies can provide secure communications, enhanced sensing, and improved computing. By delegating intensive tasks across shared systems, quantum networking not only improves the performance of technologies but heralds additional capabilities. Tune in to learn more!

Bio: Jas is a quantum theorist at the University of Strathclyde and part of the Quantum Communications Hub. His work on finite quantum information has introduced new insights and understanding into the performance of quantum technologies. By closely working with experimentalists and engineers across the Hub, Jas is helping push quantum technologies out of the lab and into the real world.

Introduction to post quantum cryptography (Dr. Ayesha Khalid, Queen's University Belfast).

Abstract: Within the next decade, all the public key cryptography the world will be using is very likely to be replaced by quantum-resistance alternative like the post quantum cryptography. This talk will give a general perspective of cryptography and basics of post quantum cryptography.

Bio: Dr. Ayesha Khalid is a Senior Lecturer at Queen's University Belfast. She was the recipient of the prestigious DAAD scholarship award for doctoral studies in Germany. Her research interests include post quantum cryptography, hardware security and side channel attacks. She is a senior member of IEEE and ACM.

"Quantum Thought Experiments: Testing Time, Tech and Too Many Cats Inside Your Head"

You can push the boundaries of quantum science using the physics lab inside your head. In this talk, Maria will summarise a few of her favourite quantum thought experiments, and their implications for the nature of reality. Along the way, she will discuss how thought experiments have been central to discovering new quantum technologies and testing philosophical controversies. She will finish with some experimental thoughts about the thought experiments of the future: how can we use our minds to experiment with whatever lies beyond quantum?

Maria Violaris is a PhD student at the University of Oxford, researching the foundations of quantum information, quantum thermodynamics and Constructor Theory under the co-supervision of Prof. Artur Ekert and Prof. Vlatko Vedral. Her DPhil research aims to re-frame quantum thermodynamics using Constructor Theory.

A passionate quantum communicator, she is the winner of the FameLab 2020 competition, founder of the Oxford Quantum Information Society and IBM Quantum Community Advocate. She has a strong interest in quantum foundations, quantum computing, outreach and entrepreneurship.

(Image Source: bcm.edu)

"Introduction to TKET”

Bio:

I focus on creating awareness and excitement for quantum computing. I am actively engaging with the quantum community to promote TKET, Quantinuum's open access, quantum compiler, which helps users within the quantum ecosystem get the most out of today’s quantum hardware.

I am working within the sales and business development team, actively engaging with the quantum community and clients to promote Quantinuum’s quantum technology. I am the ambassador for the TKET outreach program in North America and am responsible for continuing to expand Quantinuum’s growing user base through:

► Organizing and delivering TKET quantum SDK presentations, workshops, and hackathon challenges.
► Communicating about TKET quantum SDK to academic and developer communities.
► Creating learning content on quantum computing for audiences of varying experience levels.
► Working with quantum computing educators globally.
► Developed PyTKET Bricks, an educational resource to provide a hands-on and fun way to assemble well-known quantum circuits.

(Image Source: medium.com)

See our lecture slides here.

"Why quantum theory is weird, and how we are harnessing that weirdness!"

Terry Rudolph is a Professor of Quantum Physics at Imperial College London. His research focuses on the foundations of quantum mechanics and all-things quantum!

(Image Source: MIT)

See our lecture slides here.