Critical role of cryogenics highlighted on Prime Ministers visit to Daresbury

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves saw ground breaking work taking place in quantum computing while visiting the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory in September.

During a tour of US company PsiQuantum’s advanced research and development facility, they heard from staff and apprentices about its mission to build the world’s first useful quantum computer and how advanced cryogenics facilities are critical to making this mission possible.

A Silicon Valley company, PsiQuantum is reportedly the best-funded quantum computing company worldwide. Its choice of Sci-Tech Daresbury in the Liverpool City Region as the location for its first research and development facility outside the US, was influenced by the cryogenics capabilities and expertise of staff on site.

Paul Vernon, Head of STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, said: “It was an honour to welcome the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory and to show how UK research and development are enabling businesses, driving growth, and creating opportunities.

“It is also a clear demonstration that the cryogenics capabilities and expertise here at Daresbury are integral not only to the development of quantum computing but also to a range of sectors that are critical to our future economy, including fusion energy, renewable energy, security and healthcare.”

Daresbury’s cryogenics facility supports several major international projects, including particle accelerator initiatives such as the European Spallation Source in Sweden, and the Proton Improvement Project-2 for the US.

Planned upgrades to the current cryogenics capacity will create a national-scale facility serving the UK’s industrial and academic needs, positioning Daresbury Laboratory as the go-to place in Europe for cryogenic applications.

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