QUADROCS

Full name:

QUAntom Defense Radio-Optical Communication System

Appointment of the team:

2025

QUADROCS is an interdisciplinary research initiative developing next-generation technologies for secure communications, space situational awareness (SSA/SST), and national security.

The project combines expertise in astronomy, quantum technologies, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and data science to strengthen technological sovereignty through resilient communication infrastructures.

The research integrates satellite-based 5G/6G, optical and quantum communication, AI-driven big data analytics, and precise time and frequency transfer using optical atomic clocks. It also advances SSA/SST capabilities through optical and radio observations for monitoring satellites, space debris, and the near-Earth environment, supporting safe space operations and informed decision-making.

QUADROCS brings together 15 researchers from the Nicolaus Copernicus University, representing the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Astronomy, and the Department of Computer Science. The project is supported by international scientific collaborations and strong partnerships with industry and public institutions.

The developed technologies will enhance secure and resilient communication networks, protect critical infrastructure, improve cyber and space situational awareness, and enable future satellite communication systems. The project will generate intellectual property, technological demonstrators, and a foundation for future national and international initiatives funded by the EU, NATO, NCBR, and ESA. Ultimately, QUADROCS aims to position Nicolaus Copernicus University as a leading partner in European consortia developing secure communication, space, and dual-use technologies. See the project’s scope here.

Team Leader

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Piotr Kolenderski

Bio:

Piotr Kolenderski is an Associate Professor at NCU’s Department of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, Institute of Physics at the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics. He is the author and co-author of over 50 publications (as of June 2026) in both Polish and international journals. Moreover, Professor Kolenderski leads the Single Photon Applications Laboratory and is the founder of spin-off company, empiriQa sp. z o.o. His work focuses on generating, detecting, and manipulating single photons and exploring their technological applications. Additionally, he has received funding from the National Science Centre, the Foundation for Polish Science, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and European Space Agency. The grants support his ongoing investigations into quantum photonics, as well as other related technologies.

Meet the research team

Portrait of Agnieszka Słowikowska

Agnieszka Słowikowska

Portrait of Karolina Bąkowska

Karolina Bąkowska

Portrait of Michał Zawada

Michał Zawada

Portrait of Mikołaj Lasota

Mikołaj Lasota

Portrait of Dawid Jankowski

Dawid Jankowski

Portrait of Anuradha Anarthe

Anuradha Anarthe

Portrait of Marta Cholewa

Marta Cholewa

Portrait of Krzysztof Katarzyński

Krzysztof Katarzyński

Portrait of Marta Burzańska

Marta Burzańska

Portrait of Piotr Morzyński

Piotr Morzyński

Portrait of Artur Czerwiński

Artur Czerwiński

Portrait of Weronika Puchalska

Weronika Puchalska

Portrait of Jakub Borkowski

Jakub Borkowski

Portrait of Dominika Pik

Dominika Pik

Portrait of Paweł Zieliński

Paweł Zieliński

Portrait of Piotr Wiśniewski

Piotr Wiśniewski

Portrait of Sławomir Bilicki

Sławomir Bilicki

Portrait of Mateusz Borkowski

Mateusz Borkowski

Portrait of Agnieszka Gurgul

Agnieszka Gurgul

Portrait of Iga Łukiewska

Iga Łukiewska

Portrait of Bartosz Kirpluk

Bartosz Kirpluk