Quantum Systems Engineering
Mark founded and led the Quantum Systems Engineering Research Group at Loughborough University and now serves as Industrial Chair of the Institute for Systems Engineering Quantum Systems Engineering Working Group.
The work has included research, doctoral supervision, training, professional guidance and engagement with industry, government and the standards community.
Quantum Systems Engineering addresses the gap between the demonstration of quantum phenomena and the development of dependable systems. It considers how quantum devices interact with control systems, classical hardware, software, measurement, environment, users and wider operational systems.
Quantum standards
As a technical expert supporting the BSI Quantum Standards Network, Mark has contributed to work on standards for quantum systems associated with Mission 4 of the UK National Quantum Strategy.
The assignment has included standards landscape review, gap analysis, stakeholder engagement and technical input to the Quantum Standards Network research report. Particular attention has been given to the definitions, metrics, evidence and system assumptions needed to describe and compare emerging quantum-navigation technologies.
This work sits within a wider programme of participation in UK, European and international quantum standardisation.
Innovation programme monitoring
As an Innovate UK Monitoring Officer, Mark reviews the technical, financial and commercial progress of funded innovation projects.
This includes examining delivery against milestones, technical evidence, risk, expenditure, project governance and routes towards exploitation. The role requires an independent view of progress while recognising that research and development programmes seldom proceed exactly as originally planned.
Of particular importance is distinguishing manageable variation from a deeper problem in requirements, technical assumptions, interfaces or delivery structure.
Commercial work in related areas is undertaken subject to the appropriate conflict-of-interest requirements.
Quantum technology capability and integration
Quantalytics has provided technical advisory support relating to the implications of quantum technologies for future capability, requirements and programme delivery.
This work has involved assessing the relevance and maturity of different quantum technologies, identifying possible integration pathways and preparing structured material to support technical and strategic decisions. The principal challenge in such assignments is usually not the identification of an interesting quantum effect, but determining whether it can contribute to a useful capability within realistic operational and engineering constraints.
PNT innovation institute study
Quantalytics contributed to an ESA NAVISP study examining international innovation institutes and the possible form of a UK Positioning, Navigation and Timing Innovation Institute.
The work involved reviewing institutes in several countries, comparing their governance, funding, facilities, programmes, operating models and evidence of impact, and using the results to develop strategic options for the United Kingdom.
Institutional models depend strongly on national context, industrial structure and the maturity of the technologies concerned. The analysis therefore considered which features might transfer to the UK, which would require modification and which addressed different problems.
Quantum sensing and magnetometer assessment
Quantalytics has contributed technical review and guidance concerning quantum and classical magnetometer technologies.
This work has involved comparing sensing principles, sensitivity, bandwidth, integration requirements, maturity and potential applications. The analysis has considered technologies ranging from established classical magnetometers to atomic, superconducting and solid-state quantum sensors.
A central difficulty in this area is that quoted sensitivities are not sufficient on their own. Meaningful comparison also depends on bandwidth, operating environment, dynamic range, stability, size, power, calibration and the requirements of the intended application.
Modelling and technical research
Mark has more than 25 years of experience in the modelling of quantum systems, including superconducting circuits, measurement, control, open-system dynamics and the quantum-to-classical transition.
His research has produced more than 80 journal articles and conference papers and has included collaboration with universities, industry and government organisations.
This background supports Quantalytics work where technical claims must be examined at the level of the underlying physics, or where modelling is needed to connect physical behaviour with system requirements and engineering decisions.
Training and capability development
Mark has designed and delivered technical training in quantum systems engineering, quantum physics, modelling, systems thinking and professional practice.
This has included training for research, industrial and government audiences, as well as the design and leadership of major university programmes.
Quantalytics can provide bespoke training built around the client’s own technology, programme and workforce needs. Courses can range from senior-level briefings to detailed technical workshops and longer capability-development programmes.
Education and organisational change
As Director of Studies at Loughborough University, Mark led a substantial redesign of the Physics degree.
The programme brought together theoretical physics, experimental work, computational modelling, systems engineering, professional practice and major group projects. The reform required the coordination of academic staff, institutional processes, external accreditation requirements and industry expectations.
This experience remains relevant to assignments involving workforce development, technical education and organisational change, complementing our principal focus of Quantalytics on emerging technology, engineering and organisational change.