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Quantum Leap: Announcing the New Specialist Group, BCS Quantum Computing 

BCS is excited to announce the launch of a new Quantum Computing Specialist Group. Established to address a critical need: to broaden the existing research and practitioner labour pool in quantum computing, the group aims to consolidate expertise and foster talent within the BCS to significantly promote and expand the UK's burgeoning quantum computing industry, which holds the promise of transformative economic prosperity similar to the current advancements seen in artificial intelligence (AI). 

Currently, this field is predominantly populated by professional pure and applied physicists. However, there is a pressing necessity to incorporate the skills of computer scientists and electrical/electronic engineers to propel advancements in areas such as quantum algorithms (e.g., Shor's and Grover's algorithms) and quantum communications and photonics. 

The group’s initial committee consists of Julian Fletcher (Chair), James Davenport (Treasurer), Adam Leon Smith (Early Careers Advocate), Jamie Kavanagh and Ojo Ademola (Inclusion Officers).  

Key Initiatives

The specialist group will actively collaborate with other professional bodies such as the Institute of Physics (IoP) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on several initiatives:

  • Education Promotion: Encouraging the teaching of basic quantum computing concepts and underlying science at the secondary school level.

  • Core Curriculum Development: Working towards establishing a standardized core curriculum for quantum physics to be included in computer science and electrical/electronic engineering undergraduate programs, complementing existing physics curricula. This will ensure graduates across these disciplines possess a solid theoretical foundation to confidently engage in quantum computing roles in both research and industry. 

  • Public Awareness: Increasing public awareness and literacy on the significance of quantum computing, emphasizing realistic and transparent information over sensationalist narratives often seen in other technological domains, such as AI. 

Engagement will also be sought with key industry stakeholders like the UK National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and the UK Quantum industry representation group to enhance industry liaison and collaborative efforts. 


 Focus Areas 

To effectively cover the diverse sub-disciplines within quantum computing, the Specialist Group will organize activities and events focusing on:

  • Business: The quantum computing industry and its economic implications. 

  • Quantum SAFE: Cryptography, encryption, and security in the quantum computing space. 

  • Quantum Machine Learning: Exploring the intersection of quantum computing and AI. 

  • Education & Skills: Advancing quantum computing education and skills development. 

Get Involved 

The formation of the Quantum Computing Specialist Group represents a pivotal step towards fostering a thriving quantum computing industry. 

All members of BCS are welcome to join the group, particularly those interested in developing expertise and skills in Quantum. You can join the group from the Member Communities area of MyBCS.