Eight women from QUBIC have participated in Elevating Quantum Women’s Voices, a national initiative designed to support women working across Australia’s quantum ecosystem to strengthen their professional voice, expand their networks, and develop as leaders.
Across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, QUBIC researchers joined participants from universities, research organisations, industry and government in the 2026 cohort of the eight-week program, which focuses on building communication, leadership and sector visibility.
Among the QUBIC cohort were Dr Nishta Arora, Dr Carla Verdi, Dr Mina Barzegaramiriolya, Hunter Johnson, Galya Haim, Zuzana Leova and Mahya Mohammadi, alongside Dr Kath Rock, who contributed as a mentor.
Success in research increasingly depends on more than scientific expertise alone. The ability to communicate ideas, build professional networks, establish collaborations and take on leadership roles can play a significant part in shaping a research career. As Australia’s quantum sector continues to grow, initiatives such as EQWV help ensure women working in quantum have opportunities to develop these capabilities while building meaningful connections across the wider ecosystem.
Participants connected with researchers, industry professionals and leaders from across the country, building relationships that have the potential to lead to future collaborations, mentoring opportunities and professional connections that extend well beyond the program.
Dr Nishta Arora from The University of Queensland said the program helped her develop skills beyond the laboratory.
“The program gave me the opportunity to develop skills that extend beyond the laboratory, particularly in public speaking and communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences. Being invited to represent QUBIC on the closing night and deliver the welcome address allowed me to put those skills into practice and contribute as an emerging leader in quantum biotechnology.”
Drawing on her experience as a mentor in the program, Dr Kath Rock highlighted the broader impact of increasing the visibility of women in quantum leadership.
“When women take on visible leadership roles in quantum, they become powerful role models who inspire others to see themselves in the field. In this way, diverse and visible leadership attracts a quantum workforce that is representative of the broader community, leading to quantum solutions that better serve the needs of society as a whole.”
Since completing the program, participants have continued to draw on the skills, confidence and networks they developed through the experience, applying them in their research careers, professional opportunities and broader engagement activities.
Zuzana Leova, a PhD researcher at The University of Melbourne, said the program was a transformative experience.
“Not only did I connect with amazing and inspiring women, but it also changed the way I approach communication. Learning how to read an audience and convey ideas through a compelling storytelling framework has made a huge difference. It’s a skill I draw on every day, whether I’m contributing in meetings, presenting on stage, or communicating my work through articles, papers and LinkedIn posts.”
While the program has concluded, its impact will continue through the ways participants apply their skills, amplify their voices and contribute to Australia’s growing quantum sector.
Whether through new collaborations, leadership roles, speaking opportunities or broader engagement across the quantum ecosystem, the skills and connections developed through EQWV can help participants contribute more visibly and confidently to Australia’s quantum future.
Top image: EQWV participants and mentors in Brisbane.
About EQWV
Elevating Quantum Women’s Voices (EQWV) is an Australian communications and leadership program launched in 2025 to help women in quantum technology gain visibility, confidence, and influence across the sector. It’s an eight‑week program of expert coaching and networking to strengthen women’s leadership presence in labs, companies, panels, and decision‑making forums. The program is hosted by Quantum Women and supported by Quantum Australia and other partners, including QUBIC.
