Panel Talk: Art Meets Quantum Science

Dive into a discussion about the art-science intersection, foregrounded by artist Todd Robinson’s experience undertaking an artist residency at the Quantum Integration Laboratory at the University of Sydney Nanoscience Institute (Sydney Nano).

Robinson’s 12 months within the lab compelled him to draw connections between science and art, noting that ‘much like artmaking, experimental quantum science is propositional, improvisational, and based in material and technological processes...’ and resulted in the exhibition Materialnonmaterial, on display at Verge until 14 August.

Speaking in conversation with quantum scientists Dr John Batholomew and Dr Tim Newman, and moderated by Professor Alice Motion, this talk will see the panelists reflect on Robinson’s experience within the lab, exploring greater themes of experimentation and interdisciplinarity.

Stick around afterwards to explore the exhibition with refreshments and a live music performance by exhibition collaborator, Dr Timothy Newman.

'Artist in the Lab’ is part of the 2024-2026 Sydney Nano ArtHaus project at the Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Centre (SSSHARC). It is supported by funding through the Sydney Nano Catalyst Scheme.

Refreshments provided.

Learn more about Materialnonmaterial here.

About the Speakers

Todd Robinson 

Todd Robinson is an interdisciplinary artist working primarily in sculpture, often in dialogue with image-making, performance and research. His work is concerned with the relationship between the body, materiality, perception and identity, often using garments, textiles and soft, tactile materials as reference points for sculptural transformation. 

Dr Timothy Newman
Tim Newman is an experimental quantum physicist and sound artist. He is a postdoctoral researcher in the Fundamental Quantum Technologies Laboratory at UNSW, where he is working on Quantum Acoustodynamics - connecting single atoms to phonons, the Quantum Mechanical representation of sound. Tim completed his PhD in 2025 in the Quantum Integration Laboratory under A/Prof John Bartholomew.

Dr John Bartholomew

John Bartholomew is an Associate Professor of Experimental Quantum Science at the University of Sydney and Director of the Quantum Integration Laboratory. He is developing technologies to build the quantum internet, which will work alongside today's internet technology to become the information backbone for the quantum age. He uses atoms embedded in solids to create quantum integrated circuits combining light and electronics in a single quantum system.

Professor Alice Motion

Alice Motion is Professor of Science and Culture at the School of Chemistry, University of Sydney where they lead the Science Communication, Outreach, Participation and Education (SCOPE) Research Group. Alice's research and practice explores science democratisation through open source drug discovery, citizen science, and exploring intersections between science and culture as creative methods for science communication. 

Alice was awarded the Australian Museum's Eureka Prize for Promoting Public Understanding of Science in 2020. They have written a monthly column, Citizen Chem, for Chemistry World Magazine since 2019, are the creator of Live From The Lab, founder of the Breaking Good citizen science initiative and regularly produce and host creative science content for the public in live venues and across the media. 

Verge Access
Wheelchair access - there are two lifts available: one on City Rd and one on Maze Crescent.

Accessible and all-gender bathrooms are located about 90 metres from Verge. They are equipped with a handrail. A baby-change table is available.
Guide Dogs and support animals are welcome at Verge.

For detailed access information to the venue, please visit the Access page on Verge's website.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements that you would like to notify us of, please email vergeassistant@usu.edu.au.

Image: Todd Robinson, Untitled (whiteboard), 2026, sublimation printed textile (detail). Image courtesy the artist.