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The idea that any statement made by a scientific theory – be that an equation, a postulate, a principle – either descends from or is confirmed by some experimental evidence lies at the heart of the so-called scientific method. In fact, the Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a method or procedure that has characterised natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses”. The experimental procedure adopted for testing any statement thus acquires a foundational role in the theory itself: its relevance, however, is not always recognised. The above procedure is often taken for granted, with attention rather focused upon improving the properties of the instrumentation (such as resolution or sensitivity).
This picture is challenged by quantum mechanics, a theory where the production of experimental results complies with rules which need in fact to be considered as an integral part of the theoretical system. This is typically done in the form of the “measurement postulate”, or “Born's rule”. As a result, the amount of research that has been devoted to the subject since the first formulations of the theory is huge, and yet physicists continue to argue that our understanding of the process is unsatisfactory. This feeling has grown even stronger in recent decades, due to the recently acquired capability of controlling individual quantum objects with ever greater precision. This pushes fundamental research in at least two areas: (1) in the design and realisation of new tests of quantum mechanics itself, including of rival successor theories and of various interpretational viewpoints and (2) the use of such objects as highly sensitive probes which can enable measurements of unprecedented fidelity, for example of gravitational waves and other tiny effects.

Registrations are invited between 18 July and 12 noon, 28 September; applications due by 12 noon, 5 October 2016.

Innovate UK, in collaboration with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, invites registrations for their commercialisation of quantum technologies – collaborative research and development. This competition aims to support challenge-led collaborative R&D projects in quantum technologies. Projects that produce prototype devices and demonstrators are to be funded. Projects that focus on the following areas are particularly welcomed:

•quantum sensors;

•quantum enhanced imaging;

•quantum information technologies;

•quantum communications.

Projects may include work packages that either develop core component technologies within these systems or enable understanding of key market applications or customers.

UK based businesses working in collaboration with other businesses, research bases or the third sector are eligible to apply. The projects are expected to be carried out in the UK.

Project costs are expected to range between £250,000 and £500,000, with the maximum total project size being £2.2 million, and last up to two years. Small businesses are eligible to receive up to 70% of eligible project costs, medium-sized businesses up to 60%, and large businesses up to 50%. The total funding available is £13.5

Regsitration by 28th September, deadline for applications 5th October

Innovate UK, in collaboration with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, invites registrations for their commercialisation of quantum technologies – feasibility study. This competition aims to encourage collaborative feasibility studies that will improve understanding of the technical or market feasibility of a product or service in the field of quantum technology. The scope of this competition allows for both technical and non-technical projects. These projects will establish feasibility for devices to exploit entanglement or superposition.

In addition, the following technologies have been identified as critical components or sub-systems within future quantum systems and are in scope such as vacuum systems, stabilised-frequency laser systems, integrated laser and vacuum systems, integrated systems, including integrated lasers and vacuums, algorithms, control and interpretation software, and single photon light sources and detectors.

Non-technical projects will involve work to understand future markets, applications or business models, the route to future commercialisation, adoption of quantum technologies, and the impact that quantum technologies might have on existing businesses or business models.

UK based businesses working in collaboration with other businesses, research bases or the third sector are eligible to apply. The projects are expected to be carried out in the UK.

Project costs are expected to range between £50,000 and £400,000 and last six to 12 months. Small businesses are eligible to receive up to 70% of eligible project costs, medium-sized businesses up to 60%, and large businesses up to 50%. The total funding available is £6 million.

Innovate UK and EDF Energy invite registrations for their energy inspection innovation challenge competition. Funding supports projects that address the two challenges in this competition which relate to EDF’s existing nuclear fleet and to offshore wind farms. Proposals for challenge one should focus on inspection of high-risk components in advanced gas-cooled nuclear reactors, including demonstrating solutions such as new manipulators for access, new proves and techniques for inspection, remote sampling techniques and solutions to decommissioning challenges.

Proposals for challenge two should focus on long-term solutions for offshore wind monopile foundation corrosion monitoring and control, including providing solutions which allow for remote thickness measurement, novel approaches for measuring and monitoring corrosion in-situ, remote inspection of welds and the internal cathodic protection system, underwater thickness measurement through bio-fouling.