ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems

02/10/2025

Introducing the *EQUS Legacy Website* documenting EQUS’s achievements and history.

https://equs.org/

The website tells the story of EQUS's impact in quantum discovery, outreach and engagement, capacity building (people and facilities), research translation, improving equity in STEM, and helping build an Australian quantum ecosystem.

There's also access to super-useful resources developed by talented, dedicated EQUS team members over the years, including:
* Futurum quantum careers magazine
* Research Translation white paper & resources
* Quantum explainers
* QUINN interactive particle physics platform

EQUS legacy website: The ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) transformed quantum research into technologies, talent and impact — establishing Australia as a leader in the second quantum revolution.

01/10/2025

Translation was embedded in EQUS’ DNA from day one — a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between discovery and impact.

Under the leadership of Michael Harvey and Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, the Translational Research Program (TRP) was created. And it delivered.

Between 2019–2025, TRP:

✔️ Funded 53 applications
✔️ De-risked 44 projects, moving them from lab demos to investible opportunities
✔️ Launched 10 spinouts
✔️ Turned $2.8M internal funding into $4.1M co-investment and >$90M impact
✔️ Trained 113 researchers in translation skills and risk-taking mindsets

But the real legacy of TRP is cultural. It replaced serendipity with structure, and gave researchers — especially early career ones — the time, support, and permission to try.

We’ve always shared the TRP model openly, encouraging others to adapt it — and two other Centres of Excellence already have. As EQUS closes, we’re leaving the full blueprint for everyone to access. No gatekeeping — just impact.

The journey doesn’t end here.

🔗 Download the EQUS guide to translating research into real-world applications

29/09/2025

For some, EQUS was a year. For others, it’s been a career. Together, more than 500 people shaped a Centre defined not just by world-class research, but by resilience, collaboration and breakthrough moments.

This is the true legacy of EQUS: its people.

Their stories — 20 of them captured here — show how far we’ve come, and how much possibility lies ahead.

Thank you to every student, researcher, collaborator and supporter who helped build this community. The journey doesn’t end here — we’re still shaping the future of quantum science in Australia and beyond.

Explore the EQUS Legacy Magazine 🔗 below

27/09/2025

What happens when quantum researchers pack their gear, hit the road, and visit schools across Australia?

The National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip!

Born from a bold idea, it’s inspired countless students, strengthened communities, and given our researchers life-changing outreach experience.

Here’s the full story 👇🏻

06/09/2025

7NEWS Brisbane's Michael Hammond visited The University of Queensland a few weeks ago to chat with Professors Tom Stace & Andrew White on Australia's leadership in the quantum space and the commercial potential of some of EQUS' work, like Analog Quantum Circuit.

Watch the full story here 👇

10/08/2025

Quantum author Chris Ferrie will host a trip through the 'weird, tiny and always surprising' world of quantum this Wednesday 13th at the National Communication Museum, Melbourne. From budding young scientists to curious parents, Quantum Storytime is perfect for anyone that wants to know that little bit more about how the world works. Register at the link below—part of the Quantum Futures exhibition.

You don't need to be an expert to learn about quantum physics - even babies can do it! 👶

Join Dr. Chris Ferrie, quantum physicist and author of the acclaimed ‘Baby University’ books, on a trip through the weird, tiny and always surprising world of quantum. ⚛️

From budding young scientists to curious parents, Quantum Storytime is perfect for anyone that wants to know that little bit more about how the world works.

📆 13 August, 9.30am - 10.30am
🎟️ Free with museum entry ticket, but registrations essential
📸 Photo by Casey Horsfield

Learn more and register here: https://ncm.org.au/events/quantum-storytime-with-chris-ferrie

29/07/2025

$326,170 has been awarded to Atomionics, in partnership with The University of Queensland and Exotopic, to develop a quantum-enabled, non-contact weighbridge as part of Round 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP) 🎉

Unlike traditional weighbridges that only measure an object’s total mass, this new technology will use high-precision quantum sensors to map the gravitational field produced by a vehicle. This allows not only for accurate weight measurement but also a detailed 3D map of how the mass is distributed and where the centre of mass lies.

This capability has major implications for transport logistics, improving load optimisation, vehicle safety, and operational efficiency across sectors such as freight and defence. It builds on earlier work supported by EQUS’ Translational Research Program and the Australian Army, where classical sensors were used to demonstrate the concept. The CTCP project takes the next step by integrating quantum sensing for higher resolution and precision.

The project is led by Postdoctoral Research Fellows Dr Charles Woffinden and Dr Andrew Groszek, who were also behind the earlier research.

Congratulations to all involved on moving this breakthrough one step closer to deployment!

09/07/2025

The Quantum Year National Tour is stopping in Brisbane!

Join us for a public lecture and fireside chat with The Nobel Prize laureate Prof Donna Strickland on Monday 14 July.

Donna’s groundbreaking work on Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA), pioneered during her PhD with Gérard Mourou, revolutionised laser technology and led to life-changing applications like LASIK eye surgery and ultra-precise smartphone glass cutting.

Now a professor at the University of Waterloo, Canada, Professor Strickland will be sharing insights into her pioneering research, the future of laser physics, and her incredible journey to the Nobel Prize.

Grab your (free) ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/professor-donna-strickland-public-lecture

Thanks to our sponsors and partners , , , ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC), Griffith University, QUT (Queensland University of Technology) Centre for Materials Science, The Australian Institute of Physics—Queensland Branch on bringing this event to Brisbane.

07/07/2025

We're very excited to share QUINN, a new interactive particle physics tool developed by EQUS members for Year 7–12 students, aiming to demystify the complex world of elementary particles and quantum physics.

QUINN (or 'Quantum Understanding and Interactive Navigation for Newbies) is hosted at CSIRO's national education library. Check it out at https://www.csiro.au/en/education/Resource-Library/QUINN

The intuitive digital platform offers interactive simulations, 3D models, and clear diagrams to help students visualise and understand the fundamental particles of the universe, such as quarks, leptons, and bosons.

Have a play, and let us know what you think! If you're a teacher, try it with your class, and let us know what you think!

QUINN has been structured to align with the Australian Curriculum, providing dedicated teacher guides and student worksheets tailored for both junior (Years 7–10) and senior (Years 11–12) levels, ensuring the content is accessible and relevant across different stages of learning.

For younger students, QUINN introduces foundational concepts in a fun and visual format, making the abstract ideas of quantum physics more tangible.

Senior students are offered deeper insights into advanced topics, including quantum field theory and the Higgs boson, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

QUINN was developed by EQUS in response to conversations with teachers at the CONASTA conference in 2023, led by EQUS' Kristen Harley, Lachlan Miller and Will Campbell. The platform was developed by Lachlan Miller, who drew on his previous experience as a teacher to incorporate Australian curriculum links.

If you know a teacher who might be interested, please share these awesome (free!) quantum resources. (And let us know what they think!)

03/07/2025

“Laser Jock” and Nobel laureate Prof Donna Strickland is coming to Australia!

Donna revolutionised laser technology, leading to life-changing applications like LASIK eye surgery and ultra-precise smartphone glass cutting.

As part of her Australian International Year of Quantum Science and Technology Tour, she will be sharing her insights in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, and Sydney.

Most of these events also offer a live streaming option.

For more information and registration visit quantum2025.org.au/quantum-year-national-tour/