A new international collaboration aims to redefine how we protect global communications
The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland have launched a pioneering international research partnership focused on a breakthrough technology designed to dramatically improve the security of data travelling across today’s global communications infrastructure. The Joint effort, driven by Exeter’s Quantum Non-Equilibrium Group (QNEG) and Queensland’s Quantum Technology Laboratory (QTLab), centers on Quantum Link Verification (QLV), a novel approach grounded in the rules of quantum physics to detect eavesdropping on fibre-optic cables.
How Quantum Link Verification works
QLV operates by transparently embedding individual photons alongside ordinary data traffic within existing fibre-optic networks. Under classical encryption alone, the transmission remains vulnerable at the physical layer of the cable. Quantum Link Verification changes that by making eavesdropping detectable in real time. Any attempt to intercept or measure the quantum signal alters the state of the photons, providing an immediate, observable indication of intrusion. This approach shifts the security problem from trying to harden channels to making interception practically impossible to conceal.
Why this matters now
As quantum computing advances, the risk to current cryptographic schemes grows. Traditional protections such as armoured cabling, post-quantum cryptography, or incremental upgrades can be costly, time-consuming, or uncertain in long-term effectiveness. QLV offers a complementary strategy: it secures the channel by design at the quantum level, potentially reducing the need for sweeping physical infrastructure changes while offering rapid deployment alongside existing networks.
The collaboration and leadership
Leading the project on the Queensland side is Professor Andrew White, a renowned figure in quantum science, with Professor Janet Anders heading Exeter’s contribution from the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The partnership will not only push the frontiers of quantum communication research but will also help train a new generation of quantum scientists and engineers. The collaboration will further strengthen industry partnerships, notably with VeriQuantix, a company involved in bridging quantum research and practical deployment in secure communications.
Project goals and expected outcomes
The Exeter-Queensland initiative has clear, ambitious milestones for 2025–2027. A working prototype of QLV will be developed using commercially available telecom components, ensuring the technology can be realistically integrated into current networks. The team will demonstrate proof of intrusion detection by simulating diverse attack methods, testing the system’s resilience in polluted or noisy network environments, and validating reliable detection under real-world conditions. These steps aim to build a credible path toward practical deployment and industry adoption.
Training and future impact
A funded postdoctoral position will support the academic and professional development of early-career researchers, ensuring that knowledge from the project flows into universities, startups, and industry. Beyond the immediate security benefits, the collaboration is expected to spur further investment in quantum technologies across Europe and Australia, positioning Exeter and Queensland as leading hubs for quantum communication research.
Timeline and funding
The initiative is supported by a £150,000 Strategic Grant from the UQ Exeter Institute, enabling high-impact, strategically aligned research between the two universities. The work is scheduled to commence in 2025 and run through 2027, with activities spanning theoretical development, laboratory experiments, and field-ready testing in real-world networks.
What this could mean for global communications
QLV represents more than a single technology advance; it signals a shift toward quantum-aware security that can be layered onto existing infrastructure. If successful, the approach could reduce reliance on expensive, time-consuming upgrades and provide a scalable pathway to safer, more quantum-resilient communications worldwide. In an era when data travels at the speed of light, ensuring that “light” remains a trusted carrier of information is increasingly vital.
About the project
QLV is being developed by two leading quantum research groups, with cross-continental collaboration designed to accelerate innovation, enable practical demonstrations, and strengthen the global security of digital communications. The Exeter-Queensland partnership demonstrates how international cooperation can translate deep scientific insights into tangible protection for the information economy.
