News · 13 August 2026

UCL gets £8m gift to test if spacetime is quantum with new institute

University College London is creating the David Potter Institute to combine theoretical and experimental physics, funded by an £8 million gift. The institute will investigate if spacetime itself is quantum, a question physicists have long struggled with. Researchers will develop quantum sensors to measure small forces and test competing theories on gravity.

By BriefTea Editorial · 13 August 2026 at 7:03

Reported by EdTech Innovation Hub · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

How do they test gravity? What is quantum spacetime? Who is David Potter? Why combine theory and experiment?

More briefs

WorldTurkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to discuss new mutual protection deal on Monday WorldIran's unseen supreme leader urges Gulf countries to fight a shared enemy BusinessIceland supermarket boss tells the Chancellor to cut business taxes for employers GeneralNigel Farage's £5m donor has major stakes in arms industry PoliticsTreasury officials advise John Healey to tax banks and oil companies more HealthCorrecting hearing loss can cut dementia risk by almost half Browse all stories →