Next crop of PhD talent celebrates at 2026 Welcome Night

Next crop of PhD talent celebrates at 2026 Welcome Night

Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) kicked off its 2026 PhD Experience Program with a buzzing welcome night last week that brought together both new and existing students from its four partner universities for a celebration of the exciting possibilities ahead in the quantum industry.

More than 60 students gathered in Sydney’s Tech Central Innovation Hub to learn more about what to expect from the PhD Experience program, with a student presentation delivered by current program member, Gabe Waite, who is completing his PhD under Professor Michael Bremner at UTS. Gabe shared an overview of his work on quantum algorithms and complexity theory, covering classical approximations of a quantum spin system and Hamiltonian complexity.

Designed to broaden students’ quantum knowledge beyond coursework alone, the PhD Experience Program connects participants with career development opportunities to complement their coursework – spanning workshops and hackathons, regular networking and social events, and exclusive access to seminars and expert panels from leading quantum experts.

Over pizzas and drinks, students met with peers from across the partner institutions, many of whom will become crucial parts of their future professional network in Australia’s growing quantum sector. The event also introduced attendees to the depth and diversity of quantum research across the latest 2026 cohort, from quantum computing, sensing and communications through to materials and theory.

The SQA PhD Experience Program is open to SQA PhD Scholarship recipients as well as selected students from related fields of study who join on a non-stipend basis.

“It’s a privilege each year to welcome new PhD Experience members into this vibrant community,” said SQA Director, Professor Peter Turner.

“In Australia’s flourishing and rapidly evolving quantum sector, it’s becoming increasingly essential for students to access these enrichment opportunities, which give them a competitive edge and make them among the most highly sought graduates globally.

“Our PhD Experience program is globally recognised for preparing students not only as researchers, but as future contributors to Australia’s quantum workforce. Regular specialised training on topics like entrepreneurship and commercialisation, hands-on work experience opportunities, as well as the chance to build industry connections all expand their professional networks and complement their research track.

“What really sets us apart is the flexibility for our PhD scholars to tailor their studies with quantum technology coursework offerings across our four partner universities – it's a crucial point of difference, backed by the amazing quantum community in Sydney.” 

In their own words – new PhD Experience Program students

Four of SQA’s new PhD Experience scholars shared their reflections on what it means to take part in the program.

Valeriya Karmazina
University of Technology Sydney

Supervisor: Associate Professor Nathan Langford

“I’m very excited for the growing quantum industry, particularly the quantum start-ups in Sydney and Australia as a whole. My PhD is going to be working with fluxoniums – an emerging candidate for superconducting qubit-based quantum processors. As the platform is still developing, there isn’t a diverse library of gates for them yet. 

“The thing that excites me most about SQA’s PhD Experience Program is the chance to meet more people. During my Honours at UTS there weren’t many other quantum students in my cohort. Being part of the SQA program helped me connect with a wider group of students, so I guess I’m hoping for the same kind of experience with the PhD Experience program. 

“I’m excited to see what the quantum scene in Sydney is going to look like when I graduate from my PhD.” 

Thanh Nguyen
UNSW Sydney

Supervisor: Dr Maja Cassidy

“It’s so important to have events like this for young people on the quantum scene. It’s a great opportunity to meet people, talk about their research and hear different approaches from the other universities.

"I’ve enjoyed the coursework and as I’ve not studied in Australia before as I’m from Vietnam, it has been a good way to understand the education system in this country.

“My PhD focuses on single electrons on solid neon as a novel solid-state qubit platform. I came to Sydney because of the industrial economy for quantum here – and of course the weather.” 

Jacky Jiang
University of Sydney

Supervisor: Dr Dominic Williamson

“My motivation is to use science to discover new technologies so we can reduce the scarcity in the world.

“In my PhD I’m helping build large quantum computers. I’m on the theory side, so I’m developing new schemes of how you’d organise quantum computers that can actually do some really useful stuff.

“The hope is that once you make such a large computer, you can use it to simulate molecules and then use those simulations to build better, more sustainable products.

“As a former founder, I think the PhD Experience program is great for getting to know other students doing similar research in a nice and relaxed setting.”

Krishnapriya P J
Macquarie University

Supervisor: Professor Rich Mildren

“I have always been fascinated by quantum sciences and wanted to learn more about it. After working on ion traps for my Master’s thesis, I knew I wanted to continue exploring this topic through a PhD.  

“In my PhD I’m currently working on atomic clocks. This is involved in things like GPS and satellites and has a lot of potential applications. I’d love to work one day developing laser systems for compact atomic clocks used in GPS technology.  

“I’m impressed by the program so far as I haven’t seen a quantum-oriented scholarship before. It’s really nice to catchup with other quantum students to see how I can go in different directions. 

“Sometimes you can get confused about where you need to go, so this program is really great with the workshops and coursework at other universities to help you see what’s going on and also equip you with the right skillset.”