Unlocking the quantum world for National Science Week

National Science Week at Swinburne celebrates the groundbreaking work of our scientists and researchers who are transforming lives through discovery and innovation. The week highlights the Swinburne researchers who are tackling real-world challenges, advancing technology and inspiring the next generation.

2025 marks the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, an opportunity to celebrate and explore one of the most transformative fields in modern science. To celebrate, Swinburne opened the doors to the world of quantum with numerous events highlighting the university’s leading research and innovation.

“Quantum is no longer a thing of the future, it’s happening now,” says Swinburne’s Chief Scientist, Professor Virginia Kilborn. “At Swinburne, we’re not just observing the quantum world, we’re shaping it, training future pioneers and applying quantum science to real-world challenges.”

With two world-class research centres and a community of over 30 researchers and students, Swinburne continues to lead in quantum innovation, demonstrating how quantum science is already reshaping technology, health and energy.

Swinburne's Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester with the Quantum Horizons: From Brainwaves to Time Crystals panel

Quantum Horizons: From Brainwaves to Time Crystals

Quantum physics governs the tiniest building blocks of our universe from atoms, light, and everything in between. Though invisible to the naked eye, its influence is everywhere: powering breakthroughs in medical imaging, revolutionising computing and expanding our understanding of the universe.  

The event began with a welcome from Swinburne’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester and Chief Scientist Professor Virginia Kilborn, who highlighted Swinburne’s role in advancing quantum science and training future innovators.

The Quantum Horizons panel featured leading Swinburne experts sharing insights into their cutting-edge research and breakthroughs. Swinburne’s National Science Week Ambassador Dr Ben McAllister began by explaining the fundamental rules of the quantum world. Associate Professor Tapio Simula followed, revealing how quantum particles form unusual fluids that are key to developing future quantum computers. Associate Professor Tatiana Kameneva presented her research combining gentle electrical stimulation of the ear with quantum brain imaging techniques to improve treatments for depression. Then, Associate Professor Mahnaz Shafiei discussed the creation of advanced quantum-based hydrogen sensors aimed at supporting Australia’s clean energy goals. Finally, Distinguished Professor Peter Hannaford AC introduced the concept of ‘time-tronics’ which uses ultra-cold atoms to build time-based quantum circuits.

Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language

The event began with an outreach fair led by Sparrow Roch and the OzGrav Outreach Ambassadors, where families explored hands-on science activities including Paper Circuits and UV‑Detecting Beads. OzGrav then hosted a held a panel event titled Decoding the Universe, bringing together some of Australia’s brightest astrophysicists, including Professor Virginia Kilborn, Dr Kirsten Banks, Dr Rebecca Allen and OzGrav PhD students Bailee Wolfe and Sparrow Roch. The panel explored a wide range of topics, from AI-discovered cosmic flashes and gravitational waves, to radio maps of the Milky Way and the cultural star knowledge of First Nations and Native American peoples.

Science Week at KIOSC 

Knox Innovation Opportunity & Sustainability Centre (KIOSC) celebrated Science Week through a series of hands-on activities delivered in collaboration with local partner schools. KIOSC worked with Boronia K–12 College, where students interacted with Fable Robots, using coding to develop critical thinking skills and design innovative solutions. Rowville Secondary College students participated in an immersive virtual reality space experience, exploring the evolution of planets and life beyond Earth. Scoresby Secondary College students took part in a full-day STEM program, combining LEGO robotics and space exploration activities to deepen their understanding of technology and its real-world applications.

Celebrating our new Astronomy and Astrophysics Major

The Astronomy and Astrophysics major will commence its first intake in Semester 1, 2026. It will also be offered within the Bachelor of Science (Professional), all double degrees involving Science, and as either a co-major or a minor in Astronomy.

Students will study the frontiers of our solar system, exo-planets, stars, black holes, galaxies, dark matter and cosmology. By solving challenging problems, they will learn technical skills that have been proven to translate into employment in data science, research astrophysics and science communication.  

The major offers hands-on experience with advanced technologies, including Swinburne’s supercomputers and the Keck Telescope remote facilities. Supported by Victoria’s largest Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, students will engage in industry projects and complete a final-year research project supervised by an astrophysicist.