Celebrating a Quantum Legacy: EQUS Showcase Events Across Australia
This month marks the end of the funding cycle for EQUS. To acknowledge its legacy, a trio of showcase events were held across Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. Each event celebrated EQUS’ scientific legacy, translational success and vibrant community, while also offering its own unique perspective on Australia’s quantum future.
Sydney, 7 May
Hosted by science communicator Bernie Hobbs at the Opera House, the Sydney showcase brought together key figures from research, government and industry to celebrate EQUS’ impact and look ahead to the next chapter in Australia’s quantum journey.
Guests heard from Dr Cathy Foley, Australia's former Chief Scientist, along with Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte (NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer), Professor Anika Gauja (Executive Director, ARC), and EQUS members including Professor Stephen Bartlett, Dr Kerstin Beer and Professor David Reilly.
Following the Welcome to Country by Uncle Michael West, an Aboriginal man of the Gamilaroi Nation, speakers shared their perspective on EQUS’ journey and its leadership as an ARC Centre of Excellence and the impact it left on the ecosystem as well as the people who were part of it.
‘The Centre has definitely delivered on its promise. It has been bold, outstanding and generous.” - Anika Gauja
“I don’t see it as an ending where we’re closing the door on the past, rather I see it as a chapter that we’ve completed of the Australian quantum story. And it’s a story that Australia’s physics community should be extremely proud about.” - Cathy Foley
“What’s special about Australia? The people and their ambitions” - Stephen Bartlett
“Inclusion and outreach made my experience at EQUS really special” - Kerstin Beer
The event underscored the importance of continued investment in quantum science and innovation as a national priority.
“We want to continue to build Australia as THE destination for quantum technologies.” - David Reilly, after announcing the launch of Emergence Quantum, the newest R&D quantum company in the country.
Perth, 8 May
At the University of Western Australia in Perth, the EQUS community gathered to reflect on 14 years of research excellence and scientific discovery. Following a Welcome to Country by Sandra Harbin, a respected Noongar Elder, Professor Mike Tobar humourously invited Professor Andrew White to deliver his farewell message.
ARC Director Mr Nigel Keough then said that “the Centre has positioned Australia as a global leader in quantum research”. On the impact of EQUS on his lab, Prof. Tobar admitted that his lab was completely transformed and the gender balance of his group greatly improved thanks to being part of the Centre. Dr Maxim Goryachev gave an overview of the Clocks Flagship program and highlighted that the collaborations built will continue beyond the Centre.
PhD student Emma Paterson and Dr Jeremy Bourhill presented their Twisted Project and its potential impact on the pharmaceutical industry—a happy accident stumbled upon while developing a device to detect dark matter. Jeremy qualified Twisted as the “most impactful project [he’s] ever worked on in physics” and said that while it’s still in the early stages, whatever the outcome (of Twisted) will have EQUS’ fingerprint all over it.
Daniel Creedon, EQUS alumni now at CSIRO, highlighted what he gained from the Centre: personal development, preparedness for impact and professional opportunities. In short, “EQUS gave me an accelerated track record. I’m very grateful for all the opportunities. It definitely set me up for success. My role at CSIRO has been the combination of everything EQUS has trained me for”.
Dr Ben McAllister presented an overview of the outreach program run by EQUS with the National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip stealing the spotlight.
A lively panel discussion, facilitated by Dr Ben McAllister, explored the future of quantum computing, communication and sensing with insights from Professor Jingbo Wang, Dr Benjamin Dix-Matthews and Professor Mike Tobar.
Posters and banners showcased current research, and the event offered space for community connection and celebration.
Brisbane, 15 May
The final EQUS showcase at Customs House in Brisbane brought together representatives from across Queensland’s growing quantum ecosystem. The event opened with a beautiful Welcome to Country, followed by remarks from Professor Mark Blows (Provost of the University of Queensland), Patricia O’Callaghan (Director General, Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation), and Professor Alistair McEwan (ARC Executive Director).
Patricia O’Callaghan said programs like EQUS ensured Queensland was firmly on the map as a global leader in quantum innovation.
“Queensland is paving the way in quantum technology, turning bold ideas and partnerships into a thriving global hub for innovation and discovery.
“EQUS has been at the heart of Queensland’s quantum success, driving groundbreaking research, forging strong industry partnerships, and nurturing the next generation of talent.
“Thanks to the unwavering efforts of EQUS and our quantum community, Queensland is now recognised as a serious player on the international stage.”
EQUS Director Professor Andrew White and Deputy Director Associate Professor Sally Shrapnel reflected on the Centre’s journey and achievements, including new physics enabled by the Centre.
“Because the future of quantum technology won’t be just written in equations on a whiteboard or fabricated in silicon—it will be shaped by people. And I believe the people of EQUS are really among the best prepared in the world to shape that future wisely.” - Sally Shrapnel
The event closed with a forward-looking panel on "Quantum & Advanced Technologies in 2035", moderated by Bernie Hobbs. The panel featured quantum pioneer and founding director of EQUS Professor Gerard Milburn, Patricia O’Callaghan from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and industry leaders Michael Harvey and Terry Woodcroft. Together, they explored the skills, infrastructure and long-term thinking needed to scale Australia’s quantum efforts.
The panel concluded that while there are many opportunities, we also face some challenges and we need to keep working together to achieve our goals.
Banners showcasing current research offered talking points and opportunities for attendees to network.
Together, these three events painted a rich picture of EQUS’ enduring legacy: a world-class research program, a collaborative and diverse community, and a future-focused mission to transform quantum science into real-world technologies.
While we're saying goodbye to the EQUS brand, the spirit of collaboration and innovation continues to thrive—laying the foundations for Australia’s leadership in the Second Quantum Revolution, and securing a visible role on the global stage.
The only matter that remains unresolved is how should you pronounce EQUS: ee-QUS or eh-QUS? Well, in quantum terms, it’s a superposition meaning both exist at the same time! #teamEQUS
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The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.