Advancing Quantum Materials Research Workshop held at RAL

The Advancing Quantum Materials Research (AQMR) Workshop was held on 19 October 2026 at the Visitor Centre, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), Harwell Campus.

The event brought together researchers from across the RAL campus to discuss recent developments in quantum materials research and identify opportunities for future collaboration.

The workshop attracted 78 delegates, demonstrating strong interest from across the RAL campus. Attendees included delegates from Diamond Light Source (38), ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (19), the Central Laser Facility (9), the Rosalind Franklin Institute, University College London, the University of Cambridge, the University of Manchester, Element Six and VSM Instruments. This broad participation reflected the interdisciplinary nature of quantum materials research and highlighted the importance of collaboration between national facilities, academia and industry.

(Pictured: Artemis’ new MatSci end station, which will be capable of conducting quantum materials research.)

The programme featured 16 scientific presentations from researchers across the RAL campus and several UK universities. The talks covered topics including two-dimensional materials, magnetism, superconductivity, correlated electron systems, advanced spectroscopy, crystal growth, machine learning for materials discovery and quantum technologies. The programme highlighted the breadth of quantum materials research across the UK community and identified opportunities for stronger collaboration between materials synthesis, characterisation, theory and data science.

The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for networking and informal discussion, helping participants identify potential avenues for future collaboration. The strong attendance, lively discussions and positive feedback suggest significant value in continuing the workshop as a forum for strengthening collaborations across the RAL campus and supporting quantum materials research in the UK.