IBS and University of Cambridge Launch Joint Research Lab for Quantum Technology

▲Commemorative photo taken on July 25 in front of the Cambridge Graphene Centre during the IBS Global Partner Lab plaque unveiling ceremony.

The IBS Center for van der Waals Quantum Solids has established a Global Partner Laboratory at the Cavendish Laboratory of the University of Cambridge, UK, and held an official plaque unveiling ceremony on July 25 (local time). The two institutions will use this Partner Lab as a strategic hub to begin full-scale joint research aimed at realizing next-generation quantum technologies in the fields of quantum materials and devices.

The Global Partner Lab is a new international joint research platform introduced by IBS in 2024. It establishes collaborative labs within world-renowned basic science institutions, building long-term and stable research partnerships. It supports continuous joint research based on complementary strengths between IBS and its partners. This Cambridge Partner Lab is led by the IBS Center for van der Waals Quantum Solids, directed by Professor Hyun-Suk Shin (SKKU Department of Energy Science).

The lab will focus on the development of advanced technologies such as spin qubit control using 2D quantum heterostructures and magnetic quantum crystal structures, aiming to pioneer high-precision quantum control and integration techniques that are currently difficult to realize. Combining IBS’s expertise in 2D materials and heterostructure growth with Cambridge’s precision qubit measurement/control and quantum sensing technologies, the two institutions will collaborate on breakthrough quantum information technologies. The research will be conducted jointly by IBS, the Cavendish Laboratory, the Cambridge Graphene Centre, and the Henry Royce Institute.

▲Researchers discussing the direction of the joint research at the Cambridge Graphene Centre on July 25.

This newly established Partner Lab will serve as a permanent outpost for ongoing collaboration between Korean and UK researchers. Through practical and sustained cooperation, it is expected to accelerate the localization and advancement of world-class quantum measurement and control technologies, helping secure leadership in the fields of quantum computing and sensors.

The plaque unveiling ceremony was attended by key figures including Mete Atature, Director of the Cavendish Laboratory; Andrea Ferrari, Director of the Graphene Centre; Manish Chhowalla, Director of the Henry Royce Institute; as well as Hyun-Suk Shin, Director of the IBS research center; Dongwoo Kang, Principal Policy Researcher at IBS; and Byung-Hyun Park, Science Attaché at the Korean Embassy in the UK.

Mete Atature, Director of the Cavendish Laboratory, commented: "This joint research with IBS presents a great opportunity to amplify the strengths of both institutions in the quantum field. We look forward to the collaboration and its future outcomes."

Do-Young Noh, President of IBS, stated: "The Global Partner Lab is a new IBS model designed to go beyond short-term exchanges and establish long-term international research collaborations. Through synergy with Cambridge’s world-class research capabilities, we aim to advance basic science and nurture future research leaders."