Quantum-Inspired Approaches to Real-Time Modelling and Optimisation of Supply Chains

Details

The design and real-time optimisation of supply chains, such as for vaccine manufacturing, requires the handling of large amounts of data and the solution of large optimisation problems. To meet this dual challenge and unlock the potential of real-time optimisation requires the development of new approaches to both data and optimisation. Quantum computers are a potential long-term technology that may assist with these problems, however their application is many years from being practical. Despite this, there are many opportunities to both develop the formulations, and to learn from those algorithms already developed, for quantum computers to leverage these in real-time supply chain management. 

The purpose of this project is to i) survey available optimisation approaches developed for quantum computers, ii) further these and/or adapt them for conventional computers and iii) understand these might be utilised to support real-time supply-chain management.

This PhD project sits within the UK-South East Asia Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub (UK-SEA Vax Hub), funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Under the leadership of the University of Sheffield, the UK-SEA Vax Hub comprises four esteemed UK academic institutions and collaborates with 12 partners from South-East Asian countries. Distinguished by its multidisciplinary expertise in vaccine research and manufacturing, the hub serves as a dynamic platform for scientific innovation. The successful candidate will become an integral member of a highly skilled team of researchers within the hub, contributing to the development of cutting-edge solutions in the field of vaccine manufacturing.

For more information about the research work of Prof. Brown and Prof. Cordiner, please visit:

• Prof. Solomon Brown (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe/people/academic-staff/solomon-brown) 
• Prof. Joan Cordiner (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe/people/academic-staff/joan-cordiner)  

For inquiries or additional information, please reach out to Prof. Solomon Brown ([email protected]).

Please see this link for information on how to apply: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe/postgraduate/phd/how-apply. Please include the name of your proposed supervisor and the title of the PhD project within your application.

The candidate will require a first class or upper second class honours degree with strong mathematical skills in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or similar discipline.