On 12th February 2025 the ASDC team and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) public engagement team delivered a masterclass at the National Quantum Computing Centre in Didcot, for 28 science engagement professionals from science and discovery centres around the UK.
The new centre, which was opened in October 2024 by Minister of Science, Research and Innovation, Lord Vallance, is a national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing for the UK. As a trusted authority, the NQCC’s vision is to enable the UK to solve some of the most complex and challenging problems facing society by harnessing the potential of quantum computing.
The masterclass was only the second event for an external group at this brand-new centre, giving delegates the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technology and their real-life applications, as well as the chance to discuss engagement ideas with colleagues and try out hands-on demos.
Security was tight, and delegates weren’t allowed to take photos inside the buildings, apart from the R89 data centre:
The masterclass started with a keynote speech on Demystifying AI and Machine Learning from Mike Wooldridge - previous Ri Christmas Lecturer and Professor of the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Oxford.
“AI can be unpredictable – [the] lesson is AI can learn to do things that we didn’t/can’t predict”
Professor Mike Wooldridge
Professor Mike Wooldridge
Professor Wooldridge covered the recent advances in AI; looking at where they came from with an historical timeline, how Large Language Models came about, what they mean, the sheer size and capabilities of neural networks and how they’re used today. He also discussed the very real issues and its limitations, and of course the opportunities for AI in the future.
“It was fantastic to explore the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and quantum computing alongside leading experts and colleagues from across the UK’s science engagement community. The focus was on making these complex subjects more accessible and engaging for a wider audience, helping us navigate the exciting future of these technologies as they increasingly shape our daily lives and the environment.”
Katie Fish, Learning and Engagement Officer at Dynamic Earth on LinkedIn
Post lunch and networking, the afternoon began with a series of lightning talks from five STFC researchers. Daisy Shearer began with Quantum computing 101, with just ten minutes to talk about this incredibly complex area of science. Delegates heard from Kierann McDowell talking about Quantum optimisations for materials science, Margaret Duff explained the Challenges for AI in imaging, Kuangdai Leng explored Emergent capabilities in scientific machine learning and Ag Stephens gave an overview on Machine learning for environmental science.
To help understand these areas in more detail, each of the researchers then hosted a discussion table for delegates to ask questions in small groups and facilitate more in-depth conversations about the topics. The tables focused on: The future of AI in healthcare, Machine Learning vs Generative AI, Quantum 101 and Quantum optimisations for materials science.
Feedback from the researchers who ran the discussion tables:
"I really enjoyed the format of the lightning talks and then the discussions."
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"The attendees were really engaged and interested"
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"Lots of great questions."
Delegates then had the chance to get hands-on with a ripple tank and the MENACE game (a machine learning computer built from 304 matchboxes) with time to chat to the researchers about possible activities and ideas to develop as part of the delivery programmes for visitors, schools and outreach groups.
The afternoon ended with tours of a data centre, and RAL Space where the next generation of satellites are built and tested, including the vibration bed where the MIRI instruments on JWST were put to the test.
Reflections from researchers and delegates:
“Thank you SO much for the incredible masterclass! It was a delight to have everyone at the NQCC and I'm now buzzing with ideas and energy.”
Daisy Shearer, Quantum Computing Outreach and Education Lead | Quantum Computing in Society Team
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"The use of experts was done particularly well, the fact that after day 1 they went away and came up with some supplementary materials based on the outputs from day one was particularly valuable."
Masterclass delegate
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"I enjoyed the real focus on just one or two topics, and with a range of perspectives on it. It felt like we could really get into details and brainstorm things with each other."
Masterclass delegate
In a survey completed by 12 delegates, 75% said that they anticipate utilising the learning from this masterclass in future practice, and 25% said maybe they will. When asked how confident they are in their skills and knowledge to engage others with these topics, 82% responded with 4 or 5 stars.
Thanks to STFC for funding this masterclass, and the NQCC team for hosting and making everyone feel so welcome. We look forward to running more masterclass events for ASDC members in the future.
If you are a member of ASDC and couldn't make it in person to the AI, Machine Learning and Quantum Computing masterclass, contact us if you would like to receive the overview report on discussions and learnings from the day.