Advancing quantum science through theory and physical foundations

The information, computation, and physical foundations theme explores the principles that underpin quantum technologies and the advantages they promise. Drawing together theory across quantum information, computation, and foundational physics, the theme seeks to understand how quantum effects can enhance computation, reshape our physical understanding, and enable powerful new technologies.

Our research vision

Just as thermodynamics drove the Industrial Revolution, and information theory underpinned the digital age, quantum information is fuelling the imminent quantum revolution. Correspondingly, quantum computers are the flagship quantum technology, promising to enhance our computational power by speeding up calculations and solve problems too complex for our current classical supercomputers. By connecting abstract theory with practical challenges such as noise, scalability, and computational advantage, we help build the theoretical foundations pushing the frontiers of the quantum revolution.

Key areas of research

Several research groups at The University of Manchester work across key areas of this theme, including:

• 

  Quantum information theory

  We investigate the physics that makes quantum information fundamentally different, uncovering the principles that enable quantum technologies to outperform their classical counterparts. This research reveals how uniquely quantum effects can be harnessed to process, transmit, and store information with unprecedented efficiency, while also illuminating the structure and limits of quantum information and complexity itself.

• 

  Open quantum systems

  Quantum systems are never perfectly isolated from their surroundings. We develop theoretical tools to accurately model systems that interact strongly with their environments, and study how the resulting effects can be mitigated, controlled, or even harnessed in support of future quantum technologies.

• 

  Quantum thermodynamics

  We explore how thermodynamics must be reformulated in the presence of quantum effects. This includes studying how established thermodynamic laws are modified at the quantum scale, the consequences of this, and whether quantum technologies can deliver new gains in energy efficiency and control.

• 

  Quantum algorithms and quantum machine learning

  We design new quantum algorithms that probe the fundamental limits of computation, advancing the foundations upon which future quantum software will be built. We also investigate the deep interplay between quantum computing and machine learning, exploring both how quantum devices could accelerate or reshape learning algorithms and how learning itself must adapt when the data or underlying processes are inherently quantum. This connects two rapidly evolving fields with significant potential for mutual benefit.

• 

  Post-quantum cryptanalysis

  Quantum computers pose a direct threat to the encryption systems that safeguard much of today’s global digital infrastructure. To stay ahead of that risk, we are developing and rigorously evaluating post‑quantum cryptographic algorithms designed to remain secure even against powerful quantum‑enabled attacks.