Quantum Technologies for Life & Health

Public Lecture | 18 November 2025 | Wollongong

Join us for an inspiring evening of discovery and innovation as two world-renowned quantum scientists explore how quantum technologies are transforming our understanding of life and health, from the microscopic ecosystems in our oceans to the future of medical diagnostics.

This special event is open to the public and celebrates the International Year of Quantum Science & Technologies (IYQ2025), marking a century since the birth of quantum mechanics. Whether you're curious about quantum, passionate about the environment, or excited by the future of healthcare, these talks will showcase how quantum breakthroughs are reshaping our world.

Illuminating the Building Blocks of Life with Quantum Science

Speaker: Prof. Jennifer Dionne
Stanford University

Phytoplankton, tiny organisms that make up just 1% of global plant biomass, are responsible for over half of the world’s oxygen and photosynthetic activity. But climate change is shifting their distribution, triggering harmful blooms and biotoxin production that threaten ecosystems, water supplies, and economies.

In this talk, Prof. Dionne unveils cutting-edge quantum biosensors that detect millions of cells, gene fragments, and metabolites in real time. Discover how these miniaturised sensors are being deployed in oceans, wastewater, and clinical settings to monitor environmental DNA and toxins, offering a glimpse into the future of precision ecology and public health.

The First 100 Years of Quantum Science: From Inspiration to Societal Value

Speaker: Prof Sir Peter Knight
National Physical Laboratory & UK National Quantum Technology Strategic Advisory Board

Quantum mechanics has shaped the modern world, from lasers and semiconductors to global communications. Now, as we enter the second century of quantum science, we’re harnessing its most mysterious properties to revolutionise healthcare.

Prof Sir Peter Knight will explore how quantum sensing and computing are enabling breakthroughs in early diagnosis, wearable brain scanners, affordable cancer imaging, and ultra-sensitive sensors. This lecture offers a sweeping view of quantum’s journey from theoretical curiosity to transformative technology and its promise for healthier, longer lives.

🕕 Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025, 6pm - 8pm
📍 Location: UOW Science Space, Innovation Campus, Wollongong
🎟️ Admission: Free | Registration Required

This event is sponsored by Quantum Australia and is proudly hosted by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology as part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025 and the qLIFE Conference.