In a significant move to leverage cutting-edge quantum technology for healthcare, the UK has announced the establishment of a new research hub, Q-BIOMED, led by University College London (UCL) and the University of Cambridge. This initiative is part of a broader £160 million investment by the UK government in five quantum research hubs, as revealed by Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology.
Q-BIOMED aims to revolutionise early disease diagnosis and treatment through the application of advanced quantum sensors. These sensors are expected to detect cells and molecules with unprecedented sensitivity, far surpassing traditional diagnostic tests. The potential applications include quantum-enhanced blood tests for rapid and cost-effective diagnosis of infectious diseases and cancer, using portable devices. Additionally, the hub plans to develop sensors capable of identifying early markers of Alzheimer’s disease by measuring subtle changes in brain magnetic fields, potentially before any symptoms appear.
The scope of research at Q-BIOMED is extensive, encompassing quantum-enhanced MRI scans, heart scanners, and novel surgical and treatment interventions for early-stage and difficult-to-treat cancers. Professor Rachel McKendry from UCL’s London Centre for Nanotechnology and Division of Medicine, and co-director of Q-BIOMED, emphasised the transformative potential of combining the UK’s leading positions in quantum technology and biomedicine. She noted that the hub aims to cultivate a new quantum health innovation ecosystem in the UK, influencing the country’s Quantum Mission for Health. The goal is to expedite the entire innovation pipeline from discovery to implementation within the NHS and global health systems, ultimately benefiting patients and society at large.
The initiative is supported by a substantial £106 million investment from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), along with contributions from the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Research Council, the UKRI Medical Research Council, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Industry and other partners are also providing over £54 million in additional support.
Peter Kyle, in his announcement, highlighted the vision of using cutting-edge science to improve everyday lives, emphasising that the investment in these hubs is about translating research into practical solutions. The hubs are expected to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and their practical applications, with the potential to transform sectors such as healthcare and security, while fostering a culture of accelerated innovation that could boost the UK economy.
Q-BIOMED is part of a consortium involving several prestigious institutions, including Oxford, Warwick, Cardiff, and Heriot-Watt universities, NHS trusts, industry partners, and charities. The hub’s comprehensive approach brings together experts from diverse disciplines, including quantum physics, chemistry, biomedicine, cardiology, healthcare engineering, and neuroscience. This interdisciplinary collaboration is poised to drive forward the hub’s ambitious research agenda.
The UK government’s investment in these quantum technology hubs signifies a strong commitment to developing technologies that directly impact people’s lives, from enhancing healthcare diagnostics to bolstering national security. As these technologies mature, they hold the promise of not only improving health outcomes but also easing the burden on healthcare systems like the NHS by enabling faster, more sensitive, and accessible diagnostic test.
(Sources: UCL, UK Research and Innovation, GOV.UK, Computer Weekly)