Advancing Europe’s next-generation timing and quantum research infrastructure

4 minute read

The FOREST (Fibre-based Optical netwoRk for European Science and Technology) project has been included in the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) Roadmap 2026, marking a significant milestone for Europe's next generation of timing, quantum and measurement science infrastructure. 

FOREST is one of only six new projects selected for inclusion in the 2026 roadmap, reflecting its strategic importance to Europe's scientific and technological ambitions. The project will establish a pan-European research infrastructure capable of distributing ultra-precise time and frequency signals through interconnected optical fibre networks, linking national infrastructures across the continent. 

The UK's National Metrology Institute, NPL and partner Jisc, the UK’s provider of digital infrastructure for education and research, and operator of the Janet network and advanced optical fibre infrastructure, will play a key role in the initiative, building on existing national investments in fibre-based timing infrastructure. The project will enable researchers to compare the world's most advanced atomic clocks continuously and deliver the synchronisation capabilities required for leading-edge research and innovation. 

Bringing together more than 60 stakeholder organisations from 17 countries, FOREST will support a wide range of scientific disciplines, including metrology, quantum technologies, astronomy, geodesy, fibre sensing and fundamental physics. By providing highly accurate timing links across Europe, the infrastructure will help unlock new scientific discoveries and accelerate the development of emerging technologies. 

For NPL, participation in FOREST aligns closely with our strategic priorities in quantum networking and resilient timing. The network will strengthen collaboration between the UK and European partners, enhancing access to world-class research infrastructure and supporting the development of advanced timing capabilities that underpin critical technologies and services. 

The ESFRI decision also represents an important endorsement of the scientific value and long-term impact of fibre-based timing networks. As research communities increasingly rely on ultra-precise synchronisation and clock comparisons, FOREST is expected to provide a vital platform for innovation and international collaboration over the coming decade. 

As the UK’s National Research and Education Network, it will contribute the advanced digital infrastructure, optical networking expertise and dark fibre capability needed to support the transport of ultra-precise timing signals across the UK and into the wider European infrastructure. The collaboration will build on NPL’s and Jisc’s experience delivering national digital research infrastructure, providing the resilient community required to support future advances in precision timing, quantum technologies and internationally connected research. 

The roadmap inclusion reinforces Europe's commitment to maintaining global leadership in precision measurement and quantum technologies, with NPL and Jisc helping to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of advances in time and frequency.