Project description
Innovative training in quantum-secure optical infrastructure
Data security is more critical than ever. Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides strong protection by using quantum information carried by photons. However, QKD systems face implementation challenges, including the need for a dedicated dark fibre, which makes them costly and impractical. Integrating quantum security into existing classical optical infrastructure requires a better understanding of the quantum/classical optical channel and the development of more advanced transceiver technology. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the QuNEST project will bring together industrial and academic partners with deep expertise in QKD technology and optical communications. The aim is to create a multidisciplinary training network for doctoral researchers, which will also help develop the future quantum-secure optical infrastructure.
Objective
The security of data has never been more valuable. Today, cryptography is critical to the safe operation of digital infrastructures. However, yearly advances in quantum computing present new threats. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) may provide the best protection, an approach designed to ensure privacy using quantum information encoded on photons. In theory, QKD is proven secure. In practice, QKD systems deviate from this theoretical behaviour due to implementation. Currently, QKD requires a separate dark fibre due to its susceptibility to classical channel effects (e.g. noise, Kerr non-linear interference, and scattering effects). Separating QKD from classical optical signals is costly and impractical, keeping QKD a niche product. Therefore, network providers seek quantum security to coexist in existing classical optical infrastructure. A better understanding of a quantum/classical optical channel is needed to develop improved channel coding, robust error-correcting schemes, digital signal processing, and optoelectronic components for the transceivers. In addition, a study on network topologies and integrating classical to quantum signals on implementation security is needed. The doctoral research network - QuNEST aims to gather diverse industrial and academic partners with strong scientific and technical expertise in QKD technology and optical communications to establish a new, innovative, multi-disciplinary, training network for doctoral researchers (DR). With the high-level objective of training experts to design, develop, and drive the future quantum secure optical infrastructure forward. This doctoral network will train 11 DR fellows, leaning on the expertise of 17 partners: 6 universities, and 11 Industrial partners (i.e. 1 Simulation software provider, 2 Telecom operators, 2 SMEs and 6 hardware vendors). From 7 European countries, QuNEST provides a unique and timely opportunity to train students in quantum physics and optical communications
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics topology
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-DN-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
5612 AE Eindhoven
Netherlands
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