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As we launch the new Quantum Technology Collection on F1000Research, Jack Brook takes a look at the importance of the field and highlights the goals of this wide-ranging publishing hub. Keep reading to discover the subdisciplines this Collection will encompass and the types of articles available to publish.

Quantum technology is a vital area of research as scientists seek to solve increasingly complex real-world problems. Recent years have seen rapid developments in technologies and practical applications. Advances in quantum science have driven progress in communications, simulation, sensing, and computing. However, several significant challenges remain before the full potential of quantum technology can be realized. In launching the Quantum Technology Collection, we aim to accelerate the pace of discovery and address these challenges. 

Empowering research in quantum technology

The importance and revolutionary potential of quantum technology research have been highlighted recently by enormous public and private investment. Funding has increased rapidly over the past ten years. Significant sums of money have been put into quantum technology by governments and large technology firms. Moreover, several major multi-institutional projects have also been launched. These include the US National Quantum Initiative, the EU Quantum Flagship, and the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. 

The field has already achieved significant breakthroughs. In 2019, a Google quantum computer reportedly performed a calculation in three minutes and twenty seconds that a classical supercomputer would take around 10,000 years to compute. However, as most quantum technologies provide limited real-world applications, more research is needed to achieve these sought-after breakthroughs. 

A new hub for quantum technology research

The Quantum Technology Collection on F1000Research will focus on a wide range of subdisciplines, including quantum computing, quantum information, and quantum optics, to name just a few. We also welcome research that addresses the fundamental questions of relevance to understanding, developing, and designing quantum technologies and systems. 

The collection will encourage and demonstrate the value of open research practices by sharing methods, software, and data. In quantum computing, researchers are increasingly adopting the open-source software movement. Vital contributions from the community are now helping to drive the development of the field and accelerate discovery. Openly sharing data and code encourages reproducibility and enables broader adoption of machine learning tools. As a result, there is a collaborative approach to unresolved questions around quantum technologies. 

Enhancing access, increasing impact

Software Tool articles enable researchers to share details of code used in a software tool’s construction and the rationale for its development. This article type allows others to examine the code and ensures a continuous, collaborative process instead of duplicated effort across disparate research groups. Publishing a Software Tool article in addition to a Research Article can also offer added visibility to the software instead of only storing the source code in a suitable repository. 

At F1000, we have an open data policy in place and also endorse the FAIR Data Principles. When you publish your data openly, this helps others replicate and build upon your work and avoid unnecessary duplication. Authors benefit too from the open sharing of data: evidence suggests that data sharing improves reuse and collaboration and increases citations. 

This collaborative approach can benefit scientists working in quantum technology, where research and development run across academia and industry. The idea of ‘technology transfer’ is essential in quantum science and key technologies, such as semiconductors. We hope to build bridges between industry and academia and enhance access to critical insights, data, software, and methods.

Why publish on F1000Research?

Publishing on F1000Research enables quantum researchers to disseminate ground-breaking work quickly and openly, with a fully transparent peer review process and rapid publication. A wide range of research outputs are available to authors, such as Data Notes, Method and Research Articles, Study Protocols, and many more. Authors have control over representing the full range of their research and can receive credit for all their work. By submitting to the dedicated Quantum Technology Collection, researchers can also further enhance the impact of their work by collaborating with other experts and openly exploring challenges within their field. 

Submit your research today

F1000Research is excited to introduce the brand-new Quantum Technology Collection. This dedicated collection is now live and accepting article submissions.

We are excited to invite experts to contribute and discuss the development of quantum technologies and their applications. If you have any questions, please do get in touch.