Rachel Reeves, UK chancellor the exchequer (left), and Patrick Vallance, UK science minister (centre), speak with an employee during a visit to the Siemens Healthineers factory.Credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Britain is making an ambitious technological bet. It is investing £2 billion (US$2.66 billion) in quantum-computing development and £2.5 billion in nuclear-fusion energy in a bid to secure technological and energy independence and nurture homegrown scientific talent. The changes — announced on 16 March as part of an ongoing national science and technology strategy — have been broadly welcomed by the research community. And officials say that the money and increased strategic focus will help to push the United Kingdom to the forefront of both fields globally. However, some point out that long-term commitments and more money will be needed if Britain is to push past its competitors.…