QITS (Quantum in the Summer) 2025 welcomed A-level students to QET Labs at the University of Bristol for a week of theoretical and experimental sessions, all related to the field of quantum technology. The programme covered a wide range of topics, from principles such as superposition and entanglement right through to the applications of quantum technology in computing and metrology. Through lectures, games, team puzzles and solving problems, we were impressed with how quickly the students grasped the concepts and demonstrated their knowledge through asking lots of excellent questions!
The final session of the week was a careers panel, discussing different possible careers following a Physics degree. The panel consisted of Dr Euan Allen (Siloton), Nina Harrington (NGED), previous QITS organiser Dr Jorge Monroy Ruz (Duality Quantum Photonics), and Prof Ruth Oulton (QET Labs). Students were able to ask questions about the panellists' career trajectory, life goals, experience of life in industry and academia, and experience of their degrees and higher education.
In the evening students attended social activities (paid for by the summer school) including visiting a boardgame cafe, an escape room, bowling, and a night of stargazing at the We the Curious Planetarium. This allowed the students to get to know one another outside of the lectures and academic sessions, developing their first 'science network'.
We are grateful for the funding that allowed us to run this year's programme, including sponsorship from QET Labs, Quantum Engineering CDT, NQCC/STFC, Phasecraft, QCS Hub and QEPNT.
We hope that we've helped inspire a new generation of quantum physicists!
This year's summer school was organised by Quantum Engineering CDT and QET Labs PhD students Suruchi Bala, Granthick Barua, Freddie Burns, Sam Harding, and Elia Sciama Bandel, supported by QET Labs Senior Research Administrator Holly Monroy Caskie. In addition, over 25 volunteers from QET Labs and the CDT ran sessions and organised experiments. An enormous thank you to all involved for helping to make this year's summer school such a success!