In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast the theoretical nuclear physicist Paul Stevenson talks about the challenges and opportunities of using quantum computers to solve difficult mathematical problems in nuclear physics.

Based at the University of Surrey, Stevenson has received a grant from UK Research and Innovation to develop new algorithms for quantum computers. The aim is to allow physicists to do complex calculations that could help us understand how nuclei are formed in stars, and how they are built up from interactions between protons and neutrons.

Stevenson talks about the challenges of working across the fields of nuclear physics and quantum computing – which includes honing his experimental skills to understand the technical issues involved in operating and improving today’s nascent quantum computers.