EQUS has played a key role in shaping national conversations around quantum science, contributing research insights and expert advice to government policy, strategic plans, and public consultations.

Through direct engagement with policymakers – including roundtables, working groups, and formal submissions – EQUS helped ensure that Australia’s national quantum policies reflect real-world scientific and technical perspectives.

EQUS’s influence contributed to the development of Australia’s National Quantum Strategy, as well as Queensland’s 2023 Quantum and Advanced Technologies Investment Roadmap – both of which highlighted many of EQUS’ core focus areas and legacy impacts. EQUS members provided input to national strategy documents on quantum technology, photonics, and future critical technologies.

EQUS’s success in fostering collaboration across universities, industries and disciplines has also helped model the kind of coordinated approach now reflected in national policy. While EQUS was not the only player, its example helped show what’s possible when research translation, training, and national capability are considered together.

EQUS supported its researchers to connect directly with government and policy through training initiatives run under the Centre’s Translational Research Program.

EQUS also contributed to a quantum technology MOOC developed at the University of Queensland to support decision-makers and policymakers engaging with quantum issues.

By the end of its funding, EQUS was widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading quantum voices – informing government quantum strategies, inspiring investment, and linking research to policy.

These policy outcomes were made possible by the strong partnerships and national capability EQUS helped build – see Strengthening Australia’s quantum capacity for more.

EQUS’s sustained engagement with government was not part of its original mandate, but this engagement proved effective in influencing national quantum priorities. It is a final demonstration of how EQUS’ efforts ‘beyond the lab’ – and beyond its mandate – have helped shape Australia’s plans for the quantum future.