Course Information

Date of next cohort: 25th April - 13th June 2025

Application deadline: Applications are now open and will close on 4th April. Please download the application form below and send it to the.forum@imperial.ac.uk. 

Duration: 8 weeks

Time commitment: 8 x 3-hour sessions

Location: South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London

Format: 1 hour lecture style workshop, followed by an interactive 2 hour session (workshop, Q&A, lab tour)

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About the programme

The Quantum Fundamentals is designed for policymakers to understand the basic principles of quantum science, the main types of quantum technologies and the challenges associated with the development and deployment quantum hardware. We will focus on key areas related to the National Quantum Strategy, Quantum Missions and consider important policy implications, including: 

  • identifying potential applications and challenges for quantum technologies in public services 
  • identifying the ethical, legal and social implications of quantum technologies 
  • assessing the national and sectoral strategic importance of quantum technologies for the UK economy, national security and wider society 
  • discussing the development informed policy recommendations for quantum technologies 

The programme will consist of eight training sessions targeted specifically at policymakers. There will be a one-hour lecture style workshop delivered by one of Imperial’s academics followed by an interactive two-hour session, taking the form of a workshop, Q&A or lab/facility tour that will help policymakers get a clearer idea of the topics and applications discussed.  The time commitment requested from participants is one half-day per week over the course of an eight-week period.  

Benefits

  1. Understanding of Quantum Technologies and the science that underpins them: Gain a solid foundation in the basic principles of quantum science, key quantum technologies (e.g., computing, sensing, communication), and their potential societal and economic impact.
  2. Policy Insights for Public Services: Identify the practical applications and challenges of quantum technologies in public services and develop informed policy recommendations for their deployment.
  1. World-Class Expertise: Learn from Imperial College London's globally renowned faculty, leaders in quantum research and application across engineering, medicine, and science. 
  2. Strategic Impact on National Security and Economy: Assess the national and sectoral strategic importance of quantum technologies, especially regarding the UK's economy, national security, and wider society.
  3. Interactive Learning with Experts: Participate in dynamic sessions that combine lectures from Imperial academics with hands-on workshops, Q&A, and lab/facility tours to deepen understanding.
  4. Informed Decision-Making for Policymakers: Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to contribute to the development of national strategies and informed decisions on the regulation, investment, and innovation of quantum technologies.
  5. Networking You will meet civil servants with quantum interests from different UK government departments and national regulators, providing a valuable opportunity to make new contacts and to spend time discussing issues of mutual interest across government.

Programme outline

Faculty

  • Dr Jessica Wade

    Personal details

    Dr Jessica Wade Programme Lead

    Bio

    Jess is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Lecturer in Functional Materials at Imperial College London. Broadly speaking, her research considers new materials for optoelectronic, spintronic and quantum devices, with a focus on chiral molecular materials.

    She was previously an Imperial College Research Fellow in SPIN-Lab at Imperial, which is led by Professor Sandrine Heutz. She worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the Fuchter and Campbell groups at Imperial College London, where she optimised these chiral systems such that can absorb/emit circularly polarised (CP) light for CP OLEDs and OPDs. For her PhD Jess concentrated on organic photovoltaics and the development of advanced characterisation techniques to better understand molecular packing under the supervision of Dr Ji-Seon Kim.

    Outside of the lab, Jess is involved with several science communication and outreach initiatives. She is committed to improving diversity in science, both online and offline, and since the start of 2018 has written the Wikipedia biographies of women and people of colour scientists every single day.