SQA Scholar recognised in Cosmos Quantum Quest
The power of storytelling in science

Explaining quantum physics to young students is no easy feat, but SQA student at UNSW, Nathan K. Long, has done just that—earning recognition in the Cosmos Quantum Quest challenge.
The competition, run by CSIRO’s Double Helix Extra, Cosmos Magazine, and the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP), challenged participants to explain quantum physics to 12–14-year-olds in a way that was both accurate and engaging. Out of 19 entries, only five were selected as standout submissions, and Nathan’s was the first to be published.
His creative analogy, "The Quantum Bee," makes the concept of quantum superposition relatable by comparing it to the motion of a bee’s wings. The judges praised the entry for its clarity and ability to capture young minds' curiosity.
“Quantum mechanics can often be seen as an intimidating and abstract subject, but it’s really just a different perspective on the world around us… the strongest submissions captured this perspective effectively, presenting the science in a way that was both clear and captivating. They managed to simplify intricate concepts while staying true to the facts, encouraging students to think differently and explore further, " the judges noted.
At Sydney Quantum Academy, we are proud to support scholars like Nathan who not only push the boundaries of quantum research but also help inspire the next generation of scientists.
Read Nathan’s winning entry: The Quantum Bee
Learn more about our scholars: https://sydneyquantum.org/programs/phd-programs/phd-scholarship-students/
Learn more about our programs: https://sydneyquantum.org/programs