National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, and this year QUBIC was proud to take quantum biotechnology on the road, into schools, onto the airwaves, and out into communities across the country.

Over the course of the week, more than a dozen QUBIC researchers shared their knowledge and passion for science with students, teachers, industry leaders, policymakers and the public through school visits, workshops, public talks, radio interviews, festivals and community events.

From Tasmania to Queensland, researchers sparked curiosity, encouraged conversation and showcased how quantum technologies are helping address some of society’s most pressing challenges across health, agriculture and energy.

Taking quantum science on the road

A major highlight for QUBIC this year was our involvement in the National Quantum & Dark Matter Road Trip, which celebrates its fifth year in 2026.

The road trip, co-organised with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics and supported by the Australian Institute of Physics, aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers while showcasing the exciting possibilities of quantum technologies and dark matter research.

From 14 to 22 August, QUBIC and Dark Matter researchers Eleanor Trimby, Michael Jones, Galya Haim, Amelie Read, Ethan Han, Amrita Banerjee, Maaz Hayat and Robert James travelled across Tasmania, visiting schools and communities with interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, talks and quizzes designed to engage audiences with cutting-edge science.

The road trip reached students and community members across the state, creating opportunities for young people to meet scientists, ask questions and explore future pathways in STEM.

Bringing quantum biotechnology to communities nationwide

Beyond Tasmania, QUBIC researchers participated in an exciting program of events across Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Wollongong.

In Brisbane, we hosted the Qx Summit: Make it in Queensland, delivered in partnership with Quantum Australia, the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and Silicon Catalyst. Now in its third year, the event brought together more than 200 representatives from academia, government, industry and start-ups to discuss the future of Australia’s quantum ecosystem, including opportunities connected to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and lessons from successful Queensland technology ventures.

Our researchers also participated in a range of public engagement activities, including science pub quizzes in Brisbane, Melbourne and Tasmania, as well as public lectures exploring topics from quantum technologies to the mysteries of dark matter.

In Melbourne, Dr Dan McCloskey shared his expertise in diamond quantum sensing at the Melbourne Quantum & Dark Matter Experience, helping audiences explore the fascinating world of quantum science through interactive discussions and activities.

Science meets storytelling

One of the week’s most memorable events was Monsters & Molecules: Journey to the Centre of the Brain, a live, Dungeons & Dragons-inspired science improv show held in Brisbane (image above).

Featuring QUBIC Deputy Director Professor Lezanne Ooi alongside educator Joel Gilmore, comedian Jaimeson Gilders, science communicator Shu Ezackial and bard Sean Sully, the event combined science, storytelling and improvisation to take audiences on a unique journey through the human brain, demonstrating how creative approaches to communication can make complex scientific concepts accessible, engaging and entertaining.

Sharing science beyond the laboratory

Throughout National Science Week, researchers embraced opportunities to connect with audiences through radio interviews, school presentations and community events.

In Wollongong, Dr Anjay Manian appeared on ABC Illawarra Drive to discuss how migratory birds may sense Earth’s magnetic field and what this remarkable phenomenon can teach us about the quantum world (listen here). He also joined Holden Paz at the UOW Nowra Open Day, where they spent the day engaging visitors of all ages in conversations about science, university pathways and quantum biotechnology.

Meanwhile, Charlie Gray visited Craigslea State High School in Brisbane to speak with students about careers in science and his journey into research.

These events highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for researchers to share their work directly with the broader community, building understanding of both the scientific process and the real-world impact of research.

A week of curiosity, connection and discovery

Across Australia, we connected with thousands of people through school visits, public talks, workshops, festivals, media appearances and industry events, shaping the future of quantum biotechnology by inspiring future scientists, innovators and problem solvers.

While the week may be over, our mission continues. Every day, QUBIC researchers are working to harness quantum technologies for applications across health, agriculture and energy, creating new knowledge and translating discoveries into real-world impact.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended an event, hosted a session, collaborated with us, asked questions and shared in the excitement of discovery. Most importantly, thank you to our incredible researchers who generously gave their time, energy and expertise to make National Science Week 2026 such a success.