Global collaboration targets a security breakthrough in communications
A new international research partnership between the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom and the University of Queensland in Australia is aiming to strengthen the security of global communications. The collaboration focuses on a breakthrough technology known as Quantum Link Verification (QLV), developed to safeguard data traveling through fibre-optic cables in an era of rapid digital interconnection and rising quantum threats.
The project brings together Exeter’s Quantum Non-Equilibrium Group (QNEG) and Queensland’s Quantum Technology Laboratory (QTLab). Under the leadership of Professor Andrew White from Queensland and Professor Janet Anders from Exeter, the venture plans to push the frontiers of quantum-secure communications while training the next generation of researchers in a field that blends physics, information technology, and practical engineering.
What is Quantum Link Verification?
QLV represents a radical shift in how we protect data-in-transit. Rather than primarily relying on encryption or physical barriers, QLV leverages the rules of quantum physics to detect eavesdropping in real time. The system works by transmitting single photons alongside standard data traffic through existing fibre-optic networks. Any attempt to intercept or measure these photons undoes their quantum state, creating a detectable disturbance and immediately alerting operators to a potential intrusion.
As quantum computing advances, historically used defenses such as post-quantum cryptography and armored cabling face questions of long-term reliability and cost. QLV offers a complementary, potentially faster, and more adaptable approach that can be layered on top of current infrastructure rather than requiring a complete rebuild.
Why this partnership matters for security and industry
Professor Anders explains the practical appeal: “The beauty of QLV is that it doesn’t require building entirely new infrastructure. It can be layered on top of existing systems, making it a fast and cost-effective way to vastly improve communication security.” The collaboration is designed to transition from theoretical models to a working prototype, with industry relevance at the core.
The project will explore how QLV performs under real-world conditions. Researchers will simulate a range of intrusion methods, assess resilience in noisy networks, and demonstrate how quickly and reliably the system can flag tampering. The emphasis is on creating a robust, scalable solution that can be deployed across diverse network environments—from metropolitan data centers to long-haul links that span continents.
Funding, training, and future prospects
The UQ-Exeter partnership has been funded with £150,000 through the UQ Exeter Institute’s Strategic Grant Scheme. This support is intended to foster high-impact, strategically aligned research between the two universities. The grant will also fund a postdoctoral position to help cultivate a pipeline of skilled quantum researchers, ensuring continued innovation beyond the project’s initial phase.
Launch activities are planned for 2025, with the project scheduled to run through 2027. During this period, researchers will develop a functioning QLV prototype using commercially available telecom components. They will also work toward proof-of-concept demonstrations that can be tested in real network environments, including those with significant interference and noise.
Implications for a connected world
QLV’s potential impact extends beyond a single laboratory or campus. By enabling real-time detection of eavesdropping without necessitating a full infrastructure overhaul, QLV could become a foundational tool for securing critical communications globally. Partner institutions and industry collaborators, including VeriQuantix, are anticipated to contribute to this ecosystem, aligning academic discovery with practical deployment paths.
As the world becomes more data-driven and reliant on secure information exchange, the Exeter-Queensland partnership illustrates how international collaboration can accelerate progress in quantum technologies. The effort stands as a timely reminder that protecting the privacy and integrity of communications is not just a technical challenge but a strategic priority for the coming decade.
