IQN Hub Hosts Visit from the British High Commission in New Zealand

The IQN Hub was delighted to recently host James Araci, Lead Adviser for Science and Innovation at the British High Commission in New Zealand. As part of a larger visit to the UK, James met with our Director, Prof. Gerald Buller, at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to explore deepening R&D collaboration in quantum communications between the UK and New Zealand.

This included a tour of the Hub’s new Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS), our new state-of-the-art facility for quantum satellite communications, and discussions with Hub co-investigator Dr Ross Donaldson on how the UK and New Zealand can look to support each other’s ambitions in this area.

New Zealand is building significant new capability in this sector through development of their own optical ground station at the University of Auckland’s Taiaho Observatory and their wider participation in the Australasian Optical Ground Station Network (AOGSN). Strengthening collaboration could generate significant benefits for the quantum ecosystems of both countries, giving the UK access to unique southern-sky test environments while New Zealand would benefit from access to the UK’s mature quantum networks and strong industrial base. James visit was a timely and exciting opportunity to explore co-development of a global, north-south quantum-secure communications network which could enhance the resilience, reach and international leadership of both countries.