The Quantum Simulator for Fundamental Physics (qSimFP) consortium, including 15 investigators from 7 UK Research Organisations and 5 International Partners was formed in 2018-2020. Funding through the Quantum Technology for Fundamental Physics initiative started in November 2020 with the project duration of 3 years and 5 months. Our programme unites the quantum-technology and fundamental-physics communities, with leading scientists from both camps now working together and focusing on common goals.

We are interested in the dynamics of the early universe and black holes, which are fundamental reflections of the interplay between general relativity and quantum fields. The essential physical processes occur when gravitational interactions are strong and quantum effects are important. These situations are difficult to observe and impossible to experiment with, while the existing theoretical approaches are based on approximations that are in need of experimental verification. Our goal is to exploit the recent advances in quantum technologies, often motivated by fundamental physics questions, to make lab-based tests of the theories through analogue quantum simulation.

The initial funding will be used to set up a versatile early universe simulator (Cambridge) and two types of versatile quantum black hole simulators (Nottingham, RHUL and St. Andrews). The experimental facilities will be supported by the qSimFP Fundamental Physics consortium at KCL, Nottingham, RHUL and Newcastle.

We will deliver first scientific results within the scope of that grant. Looking beyond this 3.5-year horizon, we will establish both a new cross-disciplinary community and internationally-leading experimental facilities that will allow us to drive this new field forward for many years to come.