Quantum leap - Science and tech careers on the cutting edge

In celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the guests explore the diverse and often non-linear pathways that lead into quantum physics careers. The panel discusses how curiosity drives scientific discovery, the reality of working in "deep tech," and why you don't need to be the best student in the class to change the world through science.

Host: Natasha Abrahams (Strategy & Government Relations Manager at ATSE)

Moderator: Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FTSE FAA (Former Chief Scientist of Australia)

Guests:

• Dr Will Campbell – Research Associate in Experimental Physics, University of Western Australia
• Lucy Duldig – PhD Candidate in Quantum Materials, University of Adelaide

1. Non-linear career paths

• Cathy [6:57]
• Will [17:25]
• Lucy [21:20]

2. What is Quantum Physics? (Explained for Year 7s)

• The "small" and the "low energy", and a screen analogy for the students. [40:54]
• Online learning: Tools from IBM, Google, and Q-Control for students to play with "toy" quantum computers online [49:24].
• https://q-ctrl.com/black-opal
• https://quantumai.google/education/thequbitgame

3. The future of Quantum in Australia

• The National Quantum Strategy [13:52] – https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/national-quantum-strategy
• Career opportunities [47:08]
• https://www.csiro.au/en/careers/career-opportunities/quantum
• https://equs.org/case-study/futurum/

4. Advice for students & early career researchers [30:20]

• The six-month rule on handling challenges
• Hobbies vs. career
• Resilience

Notable Quotes

"I was seen as someone who probably wouldn't amount to very much, but I always had that curiosity." - Dr Cathy Foley

"Physics is for everyone, especially people with diverse interests. As long as you find it interesting, doors will open for you." - Will Campbell

Useful Links

• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds.
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBcYVtSCRAM