Glossary & Acronyms

Glossary

Artificial intelligence (AI)

A machine-based system that infers from data how to produce outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions. AI is often described as a general-purpose technology because it can be deployed across many sectors, improves over time, and unlocks complementary innovation.

Critical technologies

Under the UK Government's Science and Technology Framework (April 2025), the technologies designated as most critical to the UK's future prosperity, security, and global leadership: advanced connectivity technologies, artificial intelligence, engineering biology, quantum technologies, and semiconductors. HPC is treated as an enabling infrastructure underpinning both AI and quantum capability.

High-performance computing (HPC)

Advanced computing infrastructure, architectures, and software used to solve problems that exceed the capacity of standard computing systems, including large-scale simulation, data analysis, and AI workloads.

Hybrid Quantum–HPC Infrastructure

The integration of quantum systems with classical supercomputing environments to support hybrid quantum–classical computation and workflows.

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

Cryptographic algorithms designed to remain secure against attacks from future quantum computers and deployable on conventional digital infrastructure.

Quantum Computing

The development of computing systems and algorithms that use quantum mechanical effects to perform certain calculations differently from classical computers, especially in optimisation, simulation, and other specialised problem classes.

Quantum Communication

Technologies that use quantum mechanical principles to transmit information or distribute cryptographic keys with security properties rooted in physics.

Quantum Sensing and Metrology

Technologies that use quantum effects to detect or measure physical quantities with very high sensitivity and precision, including in timing, gravity, magnetic, and inertial applications.

Quantum Technologies (QT)

A broad family of technologies that exploit quantum mechanical effects to process, transmit, or measure information in ways not achievable with classical approaches.

Supercomputing / supercomputer

Computing at performance levels that require the massive integration of computing elements to solve problems that standard systems cannot handle; in practice, the term usually refers to the most powerful HPC systems.

List of Acronyms