Public Talk: Quantum Century - Unlocking the Universe's Secrets and Shaping our Future

Post

Subscribe

Facebook Group

Tue 05 Aug 2025

Heads up, there's a public talk happening in Newcastle on the 5th of August, 2025, which is part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. It's called "Quantum Century: Unlocking the Universe's Secrets and Shaping our Future". The star of the show is Dr Danielle Holmes, who happens to be the Australian Institute of Physics's 2025 Marie Curie Lecturer. Apparently, a century ago, quantum physics decided to pop up because tiny things were acting a bit weird. Fast forward, and it's basically the most accurate theory we've managed to cook up. It's even figured out why stars twinkle (spoiler: it's not magic) and how those clever migratory birds find their way home (also not magic, just quantum).

Dr Holmes will take you on a journey through these surprising quantum oddities. But wait, there's more. She'll also spill the beans on how scientists are now wrangling quantum physics to build super duper computers. These aren't just for playing Solitaire faster; they're designed to tackle problems currently way out of our league, like cooking up new medicines or finding ways to cool down our planet. So, basically, quantum physics isn't just for understanding the universe; it's also got plans for our future. The brain food will be sponsored by the Australian Institute of Physics and the University of Newcastle's School of Information and Physical Sciences, which means light refreshments are on the house (well, the Uni's house). Entry won't break the bank: adults are a fiver, and anyone under 18 gets in free. Keep in mind it's for folks aged 10 and up; younger ones are welcome if an adult keeps an eye on them. You'll need to book a ticket for everyone coming along, even the freebies. And if you have any special access needs, just let them know when you book. As for Dr Danielle Holmes, she's not just a lecturer; she's basically a quantum architect. She builds the 'qubits' out of individual atoms, which are the tiny brains of these new quantum computers. She's studied at Cambridge and Melbourne, and now she's at UNSW. Plus, she's not just brilliant; she's also a hoot, having even performed at the Sydney Comedy Festival. So, expect serious smarts with a side of laughs.

More information at www.trybooking.com/DCXWU




#exhibition

%newcastlemums