What is quantum? For 100 years, physicists and the public have puzzled over the mysterious behaviour of waves and particles at the subatomic scale. Now, with the rise of quantum computing and the promise of a new leap in technological capability, quantum science is back in the spotlight.
The event will begin with an introductory demonstration the foundational concepts of quantum computing, including the qubit, entanglement, and superposition. An expert panel will then explore some of the most pressing questions facing the field: What are the real-world applications of quantum technology? What could go wrong? And where does Australia stand in the global quantum race?
Welcome remarks will be delivered by the University of Melbourne’s new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Carolyn Evans.
The Future of 2026 series is presented in partnership with Lendlease.
Journalist, ABC
Natasha Mitchell is a multi-award-winning journalist, documentary maker, podcaster, and presenter of ABC Radio National's flagship daily live events show and podcast BIG IDEAS. She originated two of the ABC's most trailblazing and innovative programs - the blockbuster radio show and one of Australia's first podcasts, All in the Mind, which she hosted and produced for a decade, and Science Friction, for which she was awarded Best Science and Medicine podcast at the Australian Podcast Awards. She was presenter of ABC's long-running daily social affairs program Life Matters. Natasha served as vice president of the World Federation of Science Journalists and was a founding committee member of the Science Journalists' Association of Australia. She received the prestigious MIT Knight Journalism Fellowship, the overall Grand Prize and four Gold World Medals at the New York Radio Festivals, amongst other accolades. She has facilitated forums and festival events across Australia, including four science dialogues with the Dalai Lama. Natasha has an engineering degree with first-class honours from Monash University and a postgraduate diploma in science communication from the ANU.
Director, IBM Quantum Hub, the University of Melbourne
Professor Hollenberg is a Melbourne Laureate Professor and the Thomas Baker Chair in the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne. Lloyd also leads the IBM Quantum Hub at the University of Melbourne. He completed his PhD in 1989 in theoretical particle physics and in 1999 turned his attention to quantum computing. He was the Deputy Director of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (2011-2024), and was awarded an ARC Laureate Fellowship in 2013. Over his career, he has published over 300 papers and is well known internationally for his work in quantum computing and the development of quantum sensing techniques at the quantum-nano-bio interface. He was awarded the 2012 Walter Boas Medal, the 2013 Victoria Prize (Physical Sciences), the 2016 Royal Society (Victoria) Medal for Excellence in Scientific Research, and led the team that won the 2013 Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Research. He was elected to the Australian Academy of Science in 2018.
Director, RMIT Applied Quantum Technologies Research Centre
Professor Jared Cole is founding Director of the RMIT Applied Quantum Technologies research centre. He is a theoretical and computational physicist, specialising in quantum theory and its application in electronics, computing and condensed-matter physics. Since 2024 Jared and his team have been working with Diraq, and he currently leads the Diraq Melbourne Technology Hub. Jared also provides consulting advice to government and industry (both nationally and internationally) in the area of quantum technologies, and is the co-founder of H-Bar Quantum Consultants.
Lead Scientist, Victorian State Government
Dr Amanda Caples is Victoria’s Lead Scientist, working at the intersection of science, government and industry to translate science and technology into economic and public value. She brings deep expertise in innovation policy, commercialisation, governance and technology transfer, with Fellowships of IPAA and the Royal Society of Victoria. Her work has helped build Victoria’s biotechnology and mRNA ecosystems, including regional technology capability and investment attraction. Amanda’s current focus is a business innovation framework that aligns policy with market demand, infrastructure, capability and government action to help businesses adopt, scale and compete.
School of Physics, the University of Melbourne
David Simpson is an Associate Professor in physical biosciences within the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne. He obtained his PhD in applied physics from Victoria University and has spent the past decade researching and commercialising quantum-based technology. His current research is focused on diamond-based quantum sensors for biomedical and precision magnetometry applications. A/Prof Simpson is a co-founder of two quantum biotechnology companies, Chromos Laboratories and FeBI Technologies that seek to apply quantum sensing technology to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurological and iron-related disorders. He is also a co-founder of Phasor Quantum, a company focused on the development of precision quantum-assured navigation solutions for GNSS denied environments.
