Oxford awarded £13.5m for DPhil places and further funding for
The University of Oxford has been awarded £13.5 million in government funding to support doctoral (DPhil) students in engineering and physical sciences, as part of a broader national investment in science totaling £204 million. This funding is divided into two main components: £167 million for Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) across 40 universities and £37 million for the UK's National Quantum Technologies Programme. The announcement was made during a visit to Oxford by Jo Johnson, the Universities and Science Minister, who met with Professor Louise Richardson, the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Johnson's visit included tours of the University's cutting-edge research facilities, including the Networked Quantum Information Technologies (NQIT) Hub and the Mobile Robotics Group, where he interacted with doctoral students and observed the advanced research being conducted. Johnson emphasized the UK's commitment to maintaining its leadership in science and innovation, highlighting the potential of quantum technologies to create super-powerful quantum computers. He stated that the new funding would support major discoveries and help train the next generation of science leaders. The government's protection of science spending is seen as a critical component in fostering an environment where such innovations can thrive. In addition to the £13.5 million for doctoral places, Oxford University will also receive a share of £25 million allocated for strategic capital investment in quantum technologies. This project, led by Professor Andrew Briggs, focuses on developing simulation tools for quantum systems to address challenges posed by environmental and external disturbances, such as magnetic fields. The aim is to ensure the reliability and stability of these complex technologies, which are expected to revolutionize various fields, including sensing, secure communications, and computing. Professor Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, expressed her enthusiasm for the funding, noting that quantum technologies have the potential to significantly alter daily life. She highlighted Oxford's role at the forefront of this technological revolution through its research and training programs. The funding will enable the University to continue training leading scientists and contribute to the advancement of quantum science. Professor Ian Walmsley, Hooke Professor of Experimental Physics, NQIT Hub Director, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Oxford, elaborated on the transformative impact of quantum technologies. He explained that these technologies will introduce novel sensors, secure communication methods, and advanced computing capabilities that are unattainable with conventional technologies. Walmsley also emphasized the societal and economic benefits of highly skilled and knowledgeable graduate students who can translate quantum science into practical applications. The funding for doctoral students will be distributed via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Professor Philip Nelson, Chief Executive of EPSRC, outlined that the £167 million allocated to universities via DTPs will cover a two-year period, providing institutions with greater certainty and time to plan their programs and support doctoral students. The EPSRC's additional investment in training and capital for research is designed to maximize the potential of the National Quantum Technologies Programme, ensuring that the UK can leverage its research talents to make groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. This significant investment underscores the UK government's strategic focus on enhancing research capabilities and fostering a robust scientific community. The collaboration between government and leading academic institutions like Oxford is expected to drive forward the development of quantum technologies and secure the UK's position as a global leader in science and innovation.
