Latest ACT News and Upcoming Events

Quantum Physics in the Pub - 29 June 7 pm

Dive into the strange and fascinating world of quantum physics with some of Australia’s leading scientists at “Quantum Physics in the Pub” — hosted at Smith’s Alternative.

Join local experts as they unravel the mysteries of the quantum realm in a fun, relaxed, and entertaining setting. Whether you're intrigued by a wave-particle duality or still wondering if Schrödinger’s cat is dead or alive, this event blends science with storytelling for an unforgettable night.

Grab a drink, meet like-minded curious minds, and enjoy lively, accessible talks where complex ideas are served in bite-sized, equation-free pieces. No background in physics is needed — just bring your curiosity!

How Much: Free! Thanks to generous sponsorship by:

• Australian Institute of Physics (AIP), ACT branch
• Science Education Association of ACT (SEAACT)
• MC’ed by Dr Phil Dooley of Phil Up On Science

Date: 29 June - Sunday

Time: 7pm

Location: Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga St, Civic.

Tickets: Free entry, just grab a drink! But registrations are essential!

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/quantum-in-the-pub-sunday-june-29th-7pm-free

More Info: https://www.linkedin.com/events/quantuminthepub-sunday-june29th7330950108697546756/

 

THE LINE UP

Chris Ferrie (UTS Physics) is the author of a huge range of books in the Quantum for Babies series. Bring your inner child and snuggle up for story time!

 

Get ready to play Tony Yan’s (Quantum ANU) quantum game. It’s the kind of thing that Einstein was skeptical of - but you will find out you can be a winner and loser at the same time!

 

This Spot open for you! (or a friend or a colleague). Ping phil@philuponscience if you have a presentation idea you’d like to try out!

 

Quantum physics blurs things into each other. Eli Estrecho (ANU Physics) studies quantum particles that are hybrids of light and matter.

 

Sean Hodgman (Quantum ANU) is going to get us all up to speed on the fundamentals of quantumness.

 

John Close (ANU Quantum Optics) is a quantum dowser - he can detect water, not with a forked stick, but with a quantum sensor made of very cold rubidium atoms.

 

Phil Dooley (ANU Physics | Phil Up On Science) will perform his ode to Schrodinger’s Cat - it’s kinda the theme song for 2025.

AIP WiP Physics Lecture Tour in the ACT, 2025 - 5 and 6 August 

Dr. Sol Jacobsen NTNU (See main entry under Marie Curie lecture tour for speaker bio and tour details).

5 August Public lecture, 5.30 for 6.00pm start, Physics auditorium, New Physics Building (No. 160), ANU.

6 August  Joint AIP & RSPhys. Directors colloquium: 11.00 am, Physics auditorium Building 160, ANU. 

2024 Photography Competition, "The Beauty of Physics".

The ACT Branch of the Australian Institute of Physics is once again inviting photographers of all levels to participate in our photography competition celebrating the awe-inspiring beauty of physics.

Winners of the 2024 competition are below. Learn more about the physics behind each image here.

Grand prize goes to Margaret Wegener for "Doubling Up: Reflection and Refraction".

Second prize was awarded to Jayne Ion for the image below,  entitled "Laser Cavities for Quantum Science".

And the secondary sector award goes to David Stewart for the image below, "Surface tension".