About Us
The Security of Data in the Quantum Age
The security of data is more important than ever before. As quantum computing advances, traditional encryption methods will become vulnerable. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a promising new approach to secure communications that uses quantum mechanics to guarantee the authenticity and confidentiality of data.
In theory, QKD is perfectly secure. However, practical implementations of QKD are not without their challenges. One of the biggest challenges is that QKD signals are more sensitive to perturbations induced by noise, scattering, and non-linear effects from classical optical channels. This is why implementing QKD together with classical communications infrastructure is costly and impractical, which has limited the adoption of QKD.
The QuNEST doctoral network is a new initiative that aims to address these challenges. QuNEST brings together a diverse group of industrial and academic partners with expertise in QKD technology and optical communications. The goal of QuNEST is to train a new generation of experts who can design, develop, and deploy quantum-secure optical infrastructure.
The QuNEST doctoral network will train 11 fellows over the course of four years. The fellows will receive training from a team of world-renowned experts in QKD and optical communications. They will also have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects that are leading the way in the development of quantum-secure optical infrastructure.
The QuNEST doctoral network is a unique and timely opportunity for students who are interested in quantum physics and optical communications. The fellows who are selected for the program will have the chance to make a real impact on the future of quantum secure communication networks.
The overall targets of QuNEST are:
- Training and development of talent: To train a dedicated group of doctoral candidates to develop research expertise in the field of quantum and classical signal co propagation/transmission.
- Scientific: To develop new knowledge and propose novel solutions for the societal and technical challenges of developing quantum secure optical communication infrastructure
- Joint training to improve synergy between industry and academia: To improve market leadership and tighten the synergy/partnership between European industrial players and academia developing next generation quantum communication infrastructure