National lab · Aldermaston
For AWE, the Aldermaston establishment that underpins the UK nuclear deterrent, quantum technology is a research tool for nuclear security. In November 2025 the government announced that AWE is launching the Quantum Centre for Nuclear Defence and Security (QCNDS), a centre of excellence led by the University of Strathclyde with the universities of Birmingham and Oxford, pairing academics with AWE scientists on work such as quantum sensing to check component condition and quantum computing for materials simulation. It follows AWE's August 2025 decision to make Strathclyde its fifth strategic alliance university, with quantum, sensor and space technologies among the shared themes.
AWE, based in Aldermaston, is a national laboratory. It appears as a partner in QCi3, QuSIT and QCNDS.
Sources: GOV.UK: Government support to get quantum to work faster (7 November 2025) · BINDT: AWE announces new strategic alliance with University of Strathclyde (August 2025) · GOV.UK: Atomic Weapons Establishment
QCi3
The national research hub for quantum computing, led by the University of Oxford. It works on scalable and networked quantum computers.
Role: Partner
Funding: £21.9m
Themes: Computing, Networks, Software and algorithms
QuSIT
A national research hub for quantum sensing, imaging and timing, led by the University of Birmingham.
Role: Partner
Funding: £22m
Themes: Sensing, Imaging, Timing and navigation
QCNDS
A centre of excellence launched by AWE in November 2025 and led by the University of Strathclyde, applying quantum sensing and computing to nuclear science for national security.
Role: Partner
Themes: Computing, Sensing, Defence and security
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