Latest Original Ideas podcast explores the world of quantum science
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With 2025 being the Year of Quantum, celebrating 100 years of quantum science, the latest episode of the University of Liverpool’s Original Ideas podcast turns its attention to the extraordinary and often mysterious world of quantum science. It is a field reshaping our understanding of nature and driving technologies that could transform daily life.
From lasers used in supermarket checkouts, to the emergence of complex supercomputers, quantum is all around us. Recently the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for quantum breakthroughs, with experiments having implications for computing, sensing, and our understanding of the universe.
At University of Liverpool, quantum is part of our Particle Physics research frontier, where scientists probe the smallest building blocks of matter, the fundamental forces that govern them, and the technologies that help us study them. How has quantum research helped shape our world, and what could the future of quantum science bring for technology and society?
In Episode 12: Quantum host Gavin Freeborn interviews three Liverpool quantum experts:
- Professor Brianna Heazlewood, who leads the Cold Chemical Physics Group and investigates ultracold chemistry and quantum behaviour at the most fundamental scales.
- Dr Jonathan Tinsley, a physicist whose research spans quantum systems, gravitational-wave science and the search for dark matter.
- PhD researcher Marina Maneyro, who works at the interface of quantum computing and materials science, helping to advance next-generation quantum technologies.
Drawing on expertise from across the University’s Quantum Science research, the guests discuss how Liverpool is tackling some of the most pressing scientific questions, from manipulating individual molecules to developing new quantum sensors and exploring entirely new computational paradigms.
Speaking on the podcast, Professor Heazlewood said:
“You really have that nice connect between seeing things in your lab go out and become pieces of commercial kit that someone else can buy for some totally different application.”
The episode highlights the breadth of quantum research taking place at the University. It also reflects on how quantum ideas are entering public consciousness, and the importance of communicating this exciting research to wider society.
The Original Ideas podcast highlights our ground-breaking research and its real-world impact.
The series explores different areas of our research activity, why it’s so important and how it can benefit society in the future. Gavin talks to inspiring academics, students, and key partners of the University who are striving to shape a better tomorrow.
Listen now to Original Ideas podcast Episode 12: Quantum
Available on Spotify, Apple and other podcasting platforms.
Find out more about the podcast and explore previous episodes, including Air Pollution and Artificial Intelligence, to Food, and Sustainable Business.