Adelaide Optics Chapter

What's cutting-edge? Light for a sustainable future.

To celebrate the , we're hosting a free-to-attend public lecture with Prof. Nigel Spooner.

This will take place at the Braggs Lecture Theatre, The Braggs, Adelaide University. 4th of June, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM ACST. 📍

Prof. Nigel Spooner is an internationally recognised scientist and research leader whose work pioneers the use of advanced photonics and fluorescence technologies for material detection and identification. His research has helped establish world-leading capabilities in “Novel Fluorescence”, a new class of light-based sensing technologies capable of identifying minerals and materials through their unique optical signatures.

Prof. Spooner’s research has led to collaborations with industry, Defence, and the Australian Space Agency, with applications ranging from critical mineral sensing and hazardous material detection through to future off-Earth resource exploration.

This lecture will explore how light-based technologies are helping shape a more sustainable future through smarter sensing, resource discovery, and advanced photonics innovation.

Free RSVP via the link:
https://events.humanitix.com/idl-lecture-prof-nigel-spooner

Adelaide University

Hi SA teachers! Save the date for our free-to-enter annual Scientific Photography Competition. 🤳 📸

Would you like to use this for a cross-curricular assignment? You're welcome to. 🤩

Submissions include the photography and a 100-word blurb on what makes the captured science exciting.

Entries close in mid-August, followed by an exhibition in late August. At the exhibition, all entries will be on display, and award winners will get the chance to take the floor to speak about their photography.

The competition is open to all. In the past, the exhibition allowed school students to meet university students, scientists, and professors.

Alongside general awards, targeted awards recognise submissions that: Reflect or uplift indigenous scientific or cultural knowledge, Are from those living in regional & remote communities, Are from junior explorers (12 years old and younger), Are from young scientists (13 to 17 years old), Are from women, girls, and nonbinary participants.

If you'd like us to keep in touch with early information, email us: [email protected]

📸📸

Can you spot our team at the Quantum Australia Conference 2026? 🔍👀

You may have caught us around the booths with the Australian Institute of Physics, Centre of Light for Life, and the ARC Training Centre for Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies. Perhaps you saw us volunteering to assist attendees, running science outreach demonstrations, or in seminars, learning about opportunities.

By being a part of the AOC committee, we get the chance to visit conferences and develop our careers!

And that's a wrap! 📍

With this year's AGM, we say a huge thank you to three of our members concluding their time on our executive committee: Co-presidents, Gabriel Britto Monteiro & Ramses Eduardo Bautista Gonzalez, as well as vice-president, Ané Kritzinger. They've developed our chapter during a vital time of cementing our SPIE affiliation, which is now in addition to Optica. For our next year, we're proud to still have them working with us within our general committee!

Our new dream team is huge (as shown in the image below)!

This includes president Jacob Charvetto, vice-president Emi Hughes, secretary Zane Peterkovic, treasurer Admir Bajraktarevic, outreach coordinator Will Morrow, event coordinator Denis Lulaj, social media manager Bailey H***e, and creative director Pedro Sansoldo, as well as our general committee: Gabriel Britto Monteiro, Ané Kritzinger, Claudia Imiolczyk, Ramses Eduardo Bautista Gonzalez, Katelyn Jardine, and Aman Punse.

Keep an eye on us for our upcoming events & news! 🔭
Jacob

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's AOC Scientific Photography Competition! 📸📸

It's been wonderful. From the bottom of our hearts, we've loved it all, and we hope you did too!

We received over 60 amazing submissions this year, and we're so excited to share with you the award winners!

We wouldn't have been able to do it without our sponsors: Current & Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech), the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), the Centre of Light for Life (CLL), the Australian National Fabrication Facility - SA (ANFF-SA), & Lastek.

Above all, we would like to thank National Science Week and Inspiring South Australia for their wonderful collaboration and facilitation of the event. They have been a delight to work with, and we would not be here without their help!

Hope you enjoy! ❤️📷
Adelaide Optics Chapter.

Emilia won an award for IPAS’s Everyday Science in Action!!

Congratulations again Emilia, and thank you for submitting!! 🍃

Hi all! Our Scientific Photography Exhibition is tonight!

I thought I'd provide directions to get you out of the possible rain as soon as possible...

🗓 Date: 28 August, 6:30-8:00 PM
📍 Location: Physics 121, Physics Building, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide Campus

In partnership with: National Science Week, Inspiring South Australia, Current & Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech), and the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), Centre of Light for Life (CLL), The Australian National Fabrication Facility - SA (ANFF-SA), & Lastek.

THIS THURSDAY! 🌱📸🖼️

RSVP here:
https://events.humanitix.com/adelaide-optics-chapter-scientific-photography-gallery-exhibition

From the shimmer of a rainbow to the ripple of a puddle, science is everywhere. Join us as we celebrate the finalists of the Adelaide Optics Chapter Scientific Photography Competition!

Entry is free and open to the public!

🗓 Date: 28 August, 6:30-8:00 PM
📍 Location: Physics 121, Physics Building, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide Campus

Come explore stunning images that reveal science in action - from the everyday to the extraordinary - each paired with a short explanation of the fascinating science captured. This special exhibition will also showcase submissions highlighting Indigenous scientific and cultural knowledge, regional and remote perspectives, and the creativity of our Junior and Youth Award entrants.

The evening will also announce the winner of the IPAS' People's Choice Prize, to be decided on the night by those attending.

In partnership with: National Science Week, Inspiring South Australia, Current & Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech), and the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS).

Refreshments will be provided to those attending.

Ocean’s Treasure - Elnaz Khazaie

‘Waves of deep-sea blue cascade through the smithsonite, while golden seams of pyrite glint like sunken treasure. It is as if the ocean’s spirit was crystallised in stone, holding both the calm of water and the sparkle of hidden riches.’

Likes on this post go toward the IPAS’ People’s Choice prize. This event is thanks to Inspiring SA, for National Science Week. Click the link in our profile to RSVP to our gallery exhibition taking place on the 28th of August! 📸📸

Rainbow Veil - Elnaz Khazaie

‘A delicate spectrum of colours dances across the rugged surface of lemnite, as if a rainbow had softly settled into stone. Pastel hues shimmer against the mineral’s solid form, capturing the rare harmony between nature’s strength and its gentlest palette.’

Likes on this post go toward the IPAS’ People’s Choice prize. This event is thanks to Inspiring SA, for National Science Week. Click the link in our profile to RSVP to our gallery exhibition taking place on the 28th of August! 📸📸