Quantum Australia Open Day 2026
Description
Calling school students and educators to discover careers, pathways and possibilities in quantum and STEM.
Held during the Quantum Australia Conference, the Quantum Open Day 2026 invites students and teachers to explore what quantum is, why it matters, and the many career pathways it opens.
You don’t need a background in physics to take part. This event is designed to inspire curiosity, spark questions, and show how quantum connects to real-world challenges, future jobs, and study options.
From cutting-edge science to communication, education, policy and industry roles, the Open Day highlights the breadth of opportunities emerging in the quantum ecosystem, locally, nationally, and globally.
Following the talks, students and educators are invited to explore the exhibition and activation area, featuring hands-on demonstrations and interactive showcases from universities, research organisations, industry and STEM partners.
AGENDA
Welcome: Dr Farina Riaz - CSIRO
Keynote: Jessica L. Rosenberg – “Quantum 2045: Career Opportunities, Globally and Locally”
Talks:
Ashley Sonntag, Defence Science and Technology Group: "What is QUantum?"
Ruth Shaw, QuTech : "Careers in Quantums"
Exhibition & Activations:
Following the talks, students will visit the exhibition, where hands-on demonstrations will showcase quantum science in action. Students and teachers will have the chance to engage directly with demonstrations and exhibitors, including:
RMIT Applied Quantum Technologies (RAQT)
Swinburne University of Technology
Sydney Quantum Academy
University of New South Wales
Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) - Adelaide University
ARC TC CE QuTech
ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC)
BTQ Technologies Corp
CSIRO
Quokka Quantum - Eigensystems
IBM
Infleqtion
Microsoft
Quantum Australia
Questacon
Please email any enquiries to queries@quantum-australia.com
Lineup
Dr Farina Riaz
Dr Farina Riaz is a Research Fellow at CSIRO’s Data61, where she leads research in quantum artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Her work focuses on developing practical quantum generative models, demonstrating advantages over classical approaches.
Dr Jessica Rosenberg
Jessica Rosenberg is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy and The Director of Education for the Quantum Science and Engineering Center at George Mason University. She started as an observational astronomer studying galaxy evolution and now develops K-20 education programs to enhance student diversity and retention.
Ashley Sonntag
Ashley Sonntag is a Quantum Technologies Researcher at Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). She is a passionate science communicator who aspires to promote and foster the significance of physics to students in the local community, previously serving as President and Vice President of the Adelaide Students’ Association of Physics.
Dr Ruth Shaw
Dr Ruth Shaw is the Chief Operating Officer of the ARC Training Centre for Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech). She leads an international, industry‑partnered program bringing together universities and companies to train the next generation of quantum professionals across physics, engineering, and biology.
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