COMPUTING: With solid research policy and funding, the Republic could become a centre for quantum computing research, according to Prof Gerard Milburn, deputy director of Australia's Centre for Quantum Computing Technology.

"Ireland is very well-placed to do well in this field," he says, noting University College Cork's quantum research programme, and work by Maynooth's Dr Jason Twamley, whom he describes as a leading theorist internationally.

NUI Maynooth is also involved in a multinational project to build a quantum computer, but from a different angle than the Australian team.

Quantum research is a young area and much work can be conducted in university laboratory environments, he says. The Australian government has committed about €12 million over three years to quantum research, and the Australian Centre for Quantum Computing Technology has between 60 and 70 researchers.

"Now is the time for small countries like Ireland and Australia to make a big impact on this field," he says.