PhD Studentship: Development of a Framework for Quantum Resistant Distributed Ledger Technologies

Project contact: Dr Olamide Jogunola

Funding info:

Home fees (2023/24) included plus an annual stipend paid at the UKRI rate (£17,668 for 2022/23). 

Mode of study: Full time

Eligibility: Open to home and overseas students.

Eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fees. 

Key dates:

Closing date: 16 October 2023

Expected start: January 2024

Project summary

Large-scale quantum computing will have a profound effect on the industry, the economy and society. With these opportunities comes the security threat of quantum computing, including the possibility of hacking computationally secure cryptographic algorithms, such as Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) and hash encryption. Such threats are found in the blockchain network that has recently been adopted in almost every decentralised sector and trustless environment, e.g, the supply chain, health care records, smart grids, etc. The success of quantum computing threatens blockchain protocols and networks because they utilise non-quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms. When quantum computers become robust to run Shor’s algorithm on a large scale, asymmetric algorithms, used for digital signatures and message encryption, such as RSA, Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm, and Diffie-Hellman, will be vulnerable to quantum computers.

While these quantum threats and some potential solutions are well established in the literature, most proposals are either theoretical, or require large quantum key distribution networks, or a new built-up of quantum-resistant blockchain networks. These methods are not fit for purpose. Thus, this research aims to accelerate the UK’s secure blockchain quantum resistance by developing a framework for the design of post-quantum blockchain and distributed ledger technologies applicable to existing blockchain networks for quantum-safe properties.

Aims and objectives

This project aims to develop a framework for the design of a quantum-resistant blockchain applicable within the current blockchain network infrastructure. This will help to secure the asymmetric encryption used for digital signature in several distributed systems against quantum and cyberattacks. The output of this project will have a profound impact on people, businesses, technologies, and the economy, as well as policy impact on regulations on the designs and standards for blockchain-resistance quantum technology.

Specific requirements of the project

• A minimum of an honours degree at first or upper second class level in a Computer Science related course
• Knowledge of Python and Solidity programming languages.
• Demonstrated interest in blockchain and quantum computing.

How to apply 

Interested applicants should contact Dr Olamide Jogunola for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Computing and digital technology (or download the PGR application form), by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

You should also complete the PGR thesis proposal (supplementary information) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to mailto:PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date: 16 October 2023.

Expected start: January 2024.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-OJ-2023-quantum-resistant

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