Month: September 2025

Hunter Johnson, a PhD student in the Simpson Lab at the University of Melbourne’s School of Physics, appeared on Melbourne’s RRR Einstein A Go-Go Radio Show to share insights into the fascinating world of quantum sensing using lab-grown diamonds.

Hunter’s research focuses on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres – tiny, fluorescent defects in the diamond’s crystal structure – which act as ultra-sensitive nanoscale sensors. When illuminated with green light, these centres fluoresce and allow researchers in the David Simpson’s Quantum Sensing Lab to detect extremely small electric and magnetic fields. Because NV centres flicker on and off in response to voltages and magnetic fields, they offer a powerful, non-invasive way to monitor neural activity and detect magnetic materials in biological systems. Hunter also discusses how lab-grown diamonds are chemically engineered layer by layer, allowing researchers to scale up production and tailor the crystals for specific sensing applications.

“We’re essentially turning diamonds into tiny, high-precision tools for biology,” says Hunter. “It’s a beautiful intersection of physics, materials science, and medicine.”

Quantum sensors based on NV centres are more than just a scientific curiosity, they represent a potential leap forward in how we study and understand the human body. These sensors can detect the electrical signatures from neurons with extreme precision, opening the door to new approaches in brain imaging, drug discovery, and real-time monitoring of biological processes. Unlike traditional technologies, they work at room temperature, are scalable, and can be integrated into compact devices. This makes them ideal for future biomedical tools that are both powerful and practical.

Listen to the full interview here: Programs: Einstein A Go-Go – 6 July 2025, Einstein A Go-Go — Triple R 102.7FM, Melbourne Independent Radio

Banner image: A diamond fluroescing. Credit: Quantum Sensing Lab, University of Melbourne.

We’re thrilled to celebrate Farrel Separgo, a PhD student in the Zhou lab at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), for his recent achievements in science communication! Farrel was awarded the People’s Choice Award at the UTS Faculty heats of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and became a finalist at the Falling Walls Lab in Canberra – an international platform for breakthrough ideas in science and society.

Farrel’s research focuses on nanothermometers, tiny devices that measure temperature at the cellular level. Just as we use thermometers to detect fever, cells too exhibit temperature changes when they’re unwell. Farrel’s work aims to uncover how diseases alter cellular behaviour, offering new insights into diagnosis and treatment. His nanothermometers are not just small, they’re smart, built on principles of quantum mechanics, and designed to probe the hidden thermal signatures of disease.

“Cells are quite like us. Their localised temperature can change significantly when they’re sick,” Farrel explains. “With these nanothermometers, we can uncover hidden mysteries about how diseases affect cells and their behaviour.”

At the Falling Walls Lab, Farrel presented the future potential of the technology not only as a tool for fundamental research but also as a platform for diagnostics and biomedical innovation. While he didn’t advance to the international stage, his presentation at The Australian Academy of Science’s Shine Dome in Canberra connected cutting-edge quantum research and the broader scientific community.

Farrel’s work is an excellent example of how quantum technologies can transform bioscience and biotech. His nanothermometers embody QUBIC’s mission to develop quantum applications that can revolutionise Australian industries from healthcare to agriculture and energy.

Importantly, Farrel’s success also highlights the critical role of science communication. Presenting complex quantum biomedical research to a general audience is no small feat. Farrel embraced the challenge, focusing on clarity and engagement over jargon and humour.

“It was both challenging and exciting to present my research to people with no background in the field,” he says. “I focused on keeping the audience engaged, ensuring they get more out of the presentation.”

Farrel’s successes are a testament to the power of clarity, curiosity, and courage in research. We’re excited to follow his story and hear more on the advances of this technology in studying diseases and the applications in diagnostic tools.

About The Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Developed by The University of Queensland, 3MT is an academic competition that challenges PhD students to present their research in just three minutes using language appropriate for a non-specialist audience. It’s a celebration of clarity, creativity, and impact in science communication.

About Falling Walls Lab
An international forum for the next generation of innovators, Falling Walls Lab invites students and early-career researchers to pitch their breakthrough ideas in 3-minute presentations. Finalists compete at national labs, with winners advancing to the global stage in Berlin. The competition is inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall and aims to break down barriers in science and society.

Science Communication to Connect and Inspire
Science communication is a catalyst for change. When emerging researchers like Farrel are supported to share their stories, they don’t just explain their work, they connect, inspire, and inform. At QUBIC we’re proud to invest in mentoring, training, and development to upskill the next generation of scientists. Through curated programs and initiatives like the Winter School, Summer School, Themes Workshop, Annual Workshop, and other opportunities, researchers at all career stages are provided with the tools to succeed in sharing their science with the world.