Project description
Training the next generation of cryptographers
Quantum computers are on the verge of going mainstream, and their introduction is set to make traditional prime number-based encryption easily breakable. The EU-funded QUARC project is working on a solution, training eight doctoral candidates in the first post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards. QUARC will provide coordinated research in different cryptography areas, focusing on implementation. The doctoral candidates will spend 50 % of their time with industrial partners and receive support from external experts in the field. The aim is to use research as a training tool to boost state-of-the-art PQC in Europe.
Objective
Quantum Computers are about to be accessible to the public. The ability for Quantum Computers to break classic cryptography protocols is pushing the adoption of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). PQC protocols are resistant against quantum computers. During 2022, and after several years of research, the first standards on PQC will be made available to the public.
Although the EU has some scattered activities on PQC, it has not yet addressed the need for PQC experts in application of this emerging technology. This is the driving force for QUARC, a Doctoral Network Industrial Doctorate on PQC, providing interdisciplinary and integral training and research in PQC. QUARC will train 8 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) through an outstanding training program that includes coordinated research in different cryptography areas, focusing on implementation. QUARC is an industrial doctorate, and besides a 50% of their time located in an industrial partner, each DC will be also exposed to a set of training initiatives in the areas of relevance for industry and receive the support of an external advisory board made out of experts in the field. QUARC establishes a well-balances, interdisciplinary, intersectoral and innovative training network, with an overarching theme of quality and edginess: research as a training tool to push the current state-of-the-art in PQC.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Coordinator
4000 Roskilde
Denmark