Public Talk: Quantum Century - Unlocking the Universe’s Secrets and Shaping our Future
Tuesday 5 August 2025
6 - 7:30pm
1 hour 30 minutes
Join us to celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology! This talk is presented by the Australian Institute of Physics's 2025 Marie Curie Lecturer - Dr Danielle Holmes.
100 years ago, quantum physics was born to explain curious behaviour of tiny things. Since then, it has become our most accurate theory in history. It has unlocked secrets of our Universe, such as why stars shine and how migratory birds navigate.
In this talk, Dr Danielle Holmes will take you on a journey to visit these surprising and consequential wonders of the quantum world. She will then reveal how scientists are now harnessing quantum physics to develop revolutionary computers that will solve problems that are currently out of reach, such as designing new medicines to fight disease and developing new materials to combat climate change. Quantum physics is the most powerful tool that humans possess, not just for increasing our understanding of the world, but for shaping its future.
This talk is part of the 2025 Marie Curie Lecture Series, sponsored by the Australian Institute of Physics. The School of Information and Physical Sciences at the University of Newcastle is sponsoring light refreshments.
Cost: Adults - $5 and Under 18s - Free
Ages: 10+ years, children are welcome to attend with adult supervision
Bookings essential - please book a ticket for all adults and children attending.
If you have any access or inclusion needs, you will be able to advise us when booking.
About Dr Danielle Holmes:
Dr Danielle Holmes makes ‘qubits’ using individual atoms in silicon chips. These qubits are the building blocks of quantum computers, new technology that will revolutionise humanity’s problem-solving abilities. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Cambridge, before exploring the technologies used to build quantum computers during her PhD at the University of Melbourne. Now at UNSW as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer, Danielle is a passionate science outreach communicator. She shares her love for quantum physics well beyond the laboratory- having even performed at the Sydney Comedy Festival!
Newcastle Museum is supported by Create NSW
100 years ago, quantum physics was born to explain curious behaviour of tiny things. Since then, it has become our most accurate theory in history. It has unlocked secrets of our Universe, such as why stars shine and how migratory birds navigate.
In this talk, Dr Danielle Holmes will take you on a journey to visit these surprising and consequential wonders of the quantum world. She will then reveal how scientists are now harnessing quantum physics to develop revolutionary computers that will solve problems that are currently out of reach, such as designing new medicines to fight disease and developing new materials to combat climate change. Quantum physics is the most powerful tool that humans possess, not just for increasing our understanding of the world, but for shaping its future.
This talk is part of the 2025 Marie Curie Lecture Series, sponsored by the Australian Institute of Physics. The School of Information and Physical Sciences at the University of Newcastle is sponsoring light refreshments.
Cost: Adults - $5 and Under 18s - Free
Ages: 10+ years, children are welcome to attend with adult supervision
Bookings essential - please book a ticket for all adults and children attending.
If you have any access or inclusion needs, you will be able to advise us when booking.
About Dr Danielle Holmes:
Dr Danielle Holmes makes ‘qubits’ using individual atoms in silicon chips. These qubits are the building blocks of quantum computers, new technology that will revolutionise humanity’s problem-solving abilities. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Cambridge, before exploring the technologies used to build quantum computers during her PhD at the University of Melbourne. Now at UNSW as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer, Danielle is a passionate science outreach communicator. She shares her love for quantum physics well beyond the laboratory- having even performed at the Sydney Comedy Festival!
Newcastle Museum is supported by Create NSW
