Quantum Algorithms for Combinatorial Optimization (SALMANH_U26EMP)
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 31 March 2026. Project is open to Home applicants only.
- Location
- UEA
- Funding type
- Self-funded
- Start date
- 1 June 2026
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Programme type
- Masters by Research
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Project description
Primary supervisor - Dr Hayder Salman
A wide range of problems in finance, science, and engineering involve solving a quadratic binary optimization problem. Such problems can be NP hard and so solutions cannot be obtained even using the best classical algorithms running on classical computers. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that such problems can be mapped onto a known physical system known as the Ising Hamiltonian [1]. When formulated in quantum mechanical terms a protocol can be used to steer the system towards the ground state of the target Hamiltonian that encodes the solution to the original problem. Currently several different quantum algorithms have been proposed that can be used for searching for the ground state of the Ising Hamiltonian.
In this project, you will test a range of these quantum algorithms for some of the most well-known combinatorial optimization problems, including the N-Queens problem, and the MAX-CUT problem using IBM’s cloud-based interface QISKIT [2]. The project will allow you to develop key skills relevant to the rapidly emerging field of quantum computing.
As a Master’s student you will use and develop numerical codes and perform detailed simulations. You should have a degree in physics, applied mathematics, computer science or equivalent and it is essential that you are comfortable working with computers and programming.
Entry requirements
The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:2 in Physics, Physical Sciences, Natural Science, Mathematics, Computer Science.
Funding
This project is offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with funding or those applying to funding sources. Details of tuition fees can be found here.
A bench fee is also payable in addition to the tuition fee to cover specialist equipment or laboratory costs required for the research. Applicants should contact the primary supervisor for further information about the fee associated with the project.
UEA Alumni 10% Scholarships - A scholarship of a 10% fee reduction is available to UEA Alumni looking to return for postgraduate study at UEA, Terms and conditions apply. For a postgraduate master’s loan, visit our Postgraduate Student Loans page for more information.
References
[1] B.C.B. Symons et al., J. Phys. A: Math. Theor., 56, 453001 (2023)
[2] N. Sachdeva et al., arXiv:2406.01743 (2024).