Authentication for Quantum Networks is a two‑day workshop bringing together researchers from quantum communications, classical cryptography, theory, experiment, and industry to explore the authentication requirements that underpin secure quantum communication and future quantum networks.

Although QKD is often presented as providing information‑theoretic security, every QKD system depends on an authenticated classical channel. The details of how authentication is achieved, what resources it requires, and what level of security it offers are not always widely discussed within the quantum community. In light of recent scrutiny from organisations such as NCSC and NSA, there is a growing need for clearer understanding across the field.

The workshop aims to provide this broader perspective. The programme will combine accessible introductory tutorials with more technical talks, contributions from experimental groups working on authentication for QKD, and insights from industry on practical deployment. A poster session will give PhD students, postdocs, and other researchers an opportunity to present their work and engage with the community.

The event is open to all. It will be particularly valuable for researchers who work on QKD but have had limited exposure to authentication, for specialists from non-classical cryptography interested in quantum applications, and for early‑career researchers looking to strengthen their foundation in this area.

Deadline to apply for travel support has now passed.  

To register for the event click here. Registration deadline is 15th May 2026. Please register only if you are able to attend the workshop in person, as the event will not be available online.

Confirmed Speakers

The list will be updated once more invited speakers confirm

• Martin Albrecht, King's College London

• Catherine White, BT

• Robert Starkwood, KETS

• Stefano Pirandola, University of York and NodeQ

• Ayesha Khalid, Queens University Belfast

• Mina Doosti, University of Edinburgh

• Martti Karvonen, University College London

• Kit Battarbee, University of Edinburgh

Organising Committee

• Rutvij Bhavsar*^, King's College London [rutvij.bhavsar@kcl.ac.uk]

• Kit Battarbee^, University of Edinburgh [kit.battarbee@ed.ac.uk]

• Roger Colbeck*, King's College London

• Ayesha Khalid, Queens University Belfast

• Mina Doosti, University of Edinburgh

*Local host.  ^Please feel free to contact for queries. 

Sponsors