Demystifying quantum: the science behind everything next

With tens of thousands of local quantum jobs predicted in coming years, SQA hosted Quantum Future Talent: From Curiosity to Career (QFT) in Chatswood on Tuesday 18 August as part of National Science Week (15–23 August).

The sold-out event saw more than 500 students from Years 8 to 12, teachers, careers advisers and the general public explore an exciting showcase of all that quantum has to offer – including an overview of the career pathways into the field, which is estimated to represent 19,400 jobs by 2045 in a $6 billion local industry (CSIRO).

According to the latest available State of Australian Quantum Report 2024, only 27% of Australians had heard of quantum technologies.

To help more people engage with the field, SQA has launched a new curated collection of quantum learning resources on its Quantum Learning Hub.

Schools attending Quantum Future Talent also received a series of curriculum-aligned teacher and student resources outlining training pathways and key quantum concepts to inspire curiosity and help build the local quantum talent pipeline.

“The future of quantum is not decades away – it’s already taking shape today – and the workforce needed to support it is growing just as quickly,” said SQA Director, Professor Peter Turner.

“Globally, demand for quantum talent is already outpacing supply, creating significant opportunities for students and future jobseekers. For instance, research from McKinsey and Company shows that for every three quantum jobs on offer globally, there is currently only one qualified candidate ready to fill them.  

“We want participants to leave the event with a better understanding of quantum, why it matters, and how they can be part of this emerging industry.”

Quantum Future Talent featured hands-on quantum demos, expert presentations from leading researchers including Scientia Professor Andrea Morello (UNSW Sydney) and 20 exhibitors. It also offered Sydney audiences an exclusive preview of Questacon’s newest exhibition, ‘Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures’.

With airborne sculptures and life-sized animations on a massive video wall, the exhibition distils scientific discoveries into an artistic expression of quantum’s potential across diverse applications – from farming and food to sports and beauty.

“Quantum has a reputation for being complex and mysterious, but our goal is to show that you don’t need to be a physicist to explore the potential of quantum technologies – just like how you don’t need to be a computer engineer to use computers,” said Michaela Ripper, Exhibition Developer from Questacon, a guest speaker at the QFT event.

“We already use quantum technologies every day – lasers, LEDs, GPS and the transistors in computers chips all rely on the quantum behaviours of their components to work.

“The next generation of quantum technologies will be no different – they’ll impact all of us, so we want everyone to feel welcomed into this conversation.”

Quantum Future Talent: From Curiosity to Career is proudly supported by the Australian Government through a National Science Week grant.

Student voices – reflecting on Quantum Future Talent: From Curiosity to Career

Alina - Year 11 student, International Grammar School

"I thought today was really enlightening on the future of quantum engineering and just quantum science in general. And I think a lot of these students here will have new ideas of how to shape the future and continue on with pursuing a career in science.

"I'm thinking of studying quantum computing and qubits, because I love the many more possibilities we can awaken using this technology."

Abeer - Year 10 student, East Hills Girls Technology High School

"I didn't realise quantum was easier to understand than I thought it would be. Once you get into it, it becomes a lot easier."

Serena - Year 11 student, International Grammar School

"I found today really interesting. I don't personally study physics but I'm really interested in STEM, so it was really cool to step out of what I'm used to in my background with chemistry and biology.

"It was great to see how quantum can be applied to real life as well – there's a lot of applications and I think a lot of people are surprised when they realise how much quantum can do."

Aarcha - Year 10 student, East Hills Girls Technology High School

"I came to the event today as I want to do something in science for my career. I'm doing physics and chemistry in Year 11, so I wanted to learn more about quantum."