PANEL DISCUSSIONS
What does the future of quantum look like?
This panel will examine the future of quantum science and technology from the perspectives of industry and government experts. Panellists will discuss anticipated developments, key challenges, and important considerations for the future impact of the field. The discussion will cover the evolving role of policy, investment, and workforce development.
Zoe Davidson
Research Specialist, BT
Zoe Davidson joined BT as a Specialist Research Professional for the Optical Networks and Quantum Research team in the Network Strategy and Research department in 2022. Zoe received her Bachelor of Technology 1st(Hons) in Optoelectronics from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and her PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Bristol, UK. Zoe’s research focus at BT is on Photonic Integrated Circuits for use in both classical and quantum networks. Zoe's background is on semiconductor compounds for energy efficient emission in the O- and C-bands, and telecommunications fibre optic network design and deployment.
Andrew Martin
Skills Policy Lead, DSIT
Andrew leads on skills policy in the Office for Quantum, part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. He has over a decade of experience in UK Government across policy and finance roles, including in the Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, and Home Office.
Sam Morley-Short
Senior Manager, PsiQuantum
For the last 3 years, Sam Morley-Short has been the lead for PsiQuantum’s Quantum Applications Software Team, which is developing an advanced software development toolkit specifically focussed on the design, analysis, and optimisation of fault-tolerant quantum computer (FTQC) applications. Before this position he worked at PsiQuantum since 2018 as a Quantum Architect, where he worked on the implementation of PsiQuantum’s internal quantum architecture simulation stack. Before joining PsiQuantum Sam gained his PhD at University of Bristol’s Quantum Engineering Centre of Doctoral Training, where his research focussed on the design and simulation of photonic FTQC architectures.
Daisy Shearer
Quantum Computing Outreach and Education Lead, NQCC
Daisy Shearer is the Quantum Computing Outreach and Education Lead at the National Quantum Computing Centre. They are a passionate science communicator and educator with a drive to make STEM more accessible and inclusive, particularly for disabled and neurodivergent people. Daisy previously worked as a researcher at the University of Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute working on experimental condensed matter physics. Daisy combines a technical knowledge of quantum technology with a passion for teaching and public engagement to translate quantum computing concepts for a variety of audiences.
What does a career in quantum look like?
This panel will explore the various career paths available to PhD students in quantum science and technology. Panellists from academia, industry, and startups will discuss the types of roles in their respective sectors, the skills and experience that are valuable in the field, and the transitions from PhD research to different career opportunities. The session will provide insights into the current quantum job market and considerations for those looking to pursue careers in this evolving area.
Laura Caune
Senior Quantum Scientist, Riverlane
Laura is a Senior Quantum Scientist at Riverlane. Before joining Riverlane, she earned a BSc in Mathematics and an MSc in Computing. At Riverlane, Laura has worked on quantum error correction (QEC) experiments on superconducting qubit devices, developed software for testing QEC codes and decoders, and implemented error mitigation techniques.
Brian Flynn
Quantum Software Researcher, Phasecraft
Brian is a graduate of the QECDT at the University of Bristol, where he worked on machine learning algorithms for the characterisation of quantum systems. He has been working at Phasecraft for four years, developing software to support research efforts in near term quantum algorithms.
Dominic Sulway
Co-Founder & CTO, Light Trace Photonics
Dr. Dominic A. Sulway is the CTO and Co-Founder of Light Trace Photonics, a Bristol-based start-up developing a range of products and services to facilitate rapid, low-risk photonic integrated circuit (PIC) product development. Dominic is an expert in photonic integrated circuit PIC design, simulation and characterisation, with a wealth of experience in PIC post-processing and packaging, nonlinear optics, quantum optics, and thermo/electro-optics. He received his PhD from the University of Bristol, where he was part of the Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training.
Carrie Weidner
Senior Lecturer, University of Bristol
Dr Carrie Weidner is a Senior Lecturer in Quantum Engineering Technologies at the University of Bristol. Weidner did her PhD in JILA at the University of Colorado Boulder on inertial sensors using atoms trapped in optical lattice potentials. Weidner then moved to Aarhus University, DK to work on quantum simulation using quantum gas microscopy. Since moving to Bristol in 2022, her work focuses on (mostly) experimental quantum sensing, simulation, and information with atoms in optical lattice potentials. Dr Weidner also works in robust quantum control, quantum physics education, and is increasingly interested in the interplay between atomic physics and integrated optics.