QuNEST will be carried out over 7 work-packages (WPs). The work packages are organised according to the figure below. WPs 1 -4 are the scientific work packaged and the deliverables for the 11 Doctoral research Projects are managed and mapped in them. Although DCs will be trained to be independently responsible for their research, an additional work package is added for organising and managing the DC training in QuNEST training programme management in WP5. WP6 is added to track the resulting project dissemination activities and the overall QuNEST Project management deliverables are addressed in WP7.

• WP1 will transition from typical quantum key distribution simulation models towards a genuine quantum/classical paradigm to enable complete understanding of these emerging channels, in a multi sectoral effort, DCs from both academia and industry will collaborate to answer key research questions whilst building up knowledge.
• WP2 will transform focus on how to ensure the safe implementation of QKD close to security proofs. In practice, devices implementing the QKD do not always follow this ideal behaviour. Therefore, the coming challenge is the Implementation security of quantum key distribution in classical optical networks/current infrastructure.
• WP3 aims to synergize the development of quantum/classical transceivers and digital signal processing, as currently developed systems are designed to transmit either quantum or classical signals. Future CV-and DV-QKD systems will require transceivers being able to operate in both domains and future engineers will understand both domains to design next generation systems.
• WP4 will provide a new, innovative training platform by providing access to 2 new state-of-the-art field labs at TUE and UNIVAQ, these field labs are currently being constructed under national initiatives in the Netherlands and Italy respectively. WP4 will feed from WP3 to enable the demonstration of sub-systems.
• WP5 provides a new innovative and interdisciplinary training structure for quantum/classical coexistence. Previously unconnected disciplines such as error correction and network planning channel coding QKD protocols photonic integrated transceivers and quantum communications will be made into a more coherent study with a strong interconnected training plan to produce a group of highly skilled professionals.