Quantum Australia Conference 2025

The Quantum Australia Conference 2025, held in Brisbane from 25–27 March, brought together leading researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to explore the future of quantum science and technology. EQUS played a central role in the event, with members contributing to panels, presentations, and discussions that reinforced both the Centre’s impact and the momentum driving the field forward.

A special thanks goes to Jacq Romero and Tyler Neely for their leadership in the QAC25 program, assembling an outstanding lineup in under four months. EQUS speakers included Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Chris Ferrie, Michael Harvey, and Jacq Romero, with Jacq and Michael stepping in at the last moment to represent Sally Shrapnel and the QA Board, respectively.

Centre Director Andrew White, alongside Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, presented the impact of EQUS' Translation Research Program (TRP), highlighting how the initiative has accelerated the transition of quantum research into real-world applications. Their presentation underscored EQUS’ role in fostering industry engagement, supporting startups, and building pathways for translating fundamental quantum science into practical technologies.

EQUS also hosted a booth, managed by the communications team, Isa Paquette and Errol Hunt, which drew strong engagement from a diverse audience. Visitors showed particular interest in EQUS’ Translation Research Program (TRP) case studies, the upcoming TRP white paper, and the Quantum Technologies for Decision Makers course. The booth provided an excellent platform to share EQUS’ work with industry leaders, government representatives, and researchers from across the quantum ecosystem.
EQUS ECRs also contributed to the conference through the poster session, showcasing their research and engaging with attendees on their latest findings. Their participation highlighted the next generation of quantum researchers and the strength of EQUS’ training and mentorship programs.

Throughout the week, EQUS hosted several international delegations, offering insights into its research and facilities at UQ. Visitors included representatives from the Netherlands, USA, and Switzerland, as well as a thirteen-nation delegation participating in the Multilateral Dialogue for Quantum. These engagements reflected the Centre’s commitment to fostering global collaboration in quantum science.

With the conference theme, The Translation of Quantum: How Current and Future Industries Can Leverage the Power of Quantum, discussions focused on bridging research and real-world applications. EQUS members contributed to conversations on quantum education, literacy, and impact, while keynote sessions explored real-world quantum solutions.

Key messages emerging from the event included:

• The Quantum Revolution requires diverse skills and perspectives to address its biggest challenges.
• Quantum physics is just physics—an evolving field with real-world applications.
• People drive impact—and curiosity remains the most important asset for engaging with quantum science.

From engaging with industry partners and alumni to sharing expertise with peers, EQUS members seized the opportunity to network and connect with key players in the quantum ecosystem. The overwhelmingly positive reception to EQUS talks, panels, and engagement activities underscored the Centre’s legacy and ongoing influence, even as it nears the end of its formal funding cycle.