Dr Megan Garner-Smith - University of Birmingham

UK IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026

The challenge

Drones are prevalent in modern warfare, as demonstrated by recent conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. As such, the need to detect drones reliably in real-world environments and distinguish them from other small objects such as birds is crucial. The quantum-enabled radar system at the University of Birmingham can do this by utilising very precise and stable cold atom clocks; however, to achieve this, the clock must be portable and function outside laboratory conditions, which is challenging.  

The research

Through the fellowship, Dr Megan Garner-Smith aims to demonstrate a portable and precise clock to enable the deployment of quantum-enabled radar across numerous mobile platforms. She will build a complete demonstration model of a transportable cold atom clock that can be easily transported without compromising performance, enabling real-world applications. The clock is considerably smaller than most other transportable clocks, making it a strong foundation for the next generation of mobile clocks that can operate while moving.  

A portable clock enables the deployment of systems beyond fixed installations, such as land-based radar. It also supports mobile installations, such as radar systems on modes of transport – crucial for security and defence applications, such as preventing small, inexpensive drones from being used as weapons so readily, as they would be easier to detect. 

The researcher

Dr Garner-Smith is a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham and leads a team of three PhD students on a project to design, build, and characterise a state-of-the-art portable cold atom clock. She has been responsible for the project for two years, in which time the team has implemented a number of novel components, resulting in a patent (pending). The motivation for this work is to position the UK at the forefront of quantum technology, recognising the strategic importance of applications such as small-drone detection during times of increasing global conflict.

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