The AIP hosts an annual national public lecture tour, named in honour of pioneering physicist and chemist Marie Curie. In South Australia the lecture also honours the legacy of Claire Corani. The Marie Curie Lectures form part of the AIP's Women in Physics Lecturer Award, which is given to recognise a woman who has made a significant contribution in a field of physics.
In 2026, the AIP is delighted to host Dr Karelle Seillez, University of Tasmania, who will explore the connections between science, nature and humanity in this year's public lecture series.
The AIP is grateful for the support of the Australian Government's Inspiring Australia initiative, for lectures that are occuring in and around National Science Week.
Do you have a question about the Women in Physics Lecture tour dates and venues? Please email wip@aip.org.au for info.
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Dr Karelle Siellez (University of Tasmania)
 | Painting the Universe: A Visual and Musical Exploration of Space-TimeIn 2017, the Universe spoke in waves and light—ushering in a new era of astronomy. In this lecture, Dr Karelle Siellez weaves together sound, art, and astrophysics to explore the story of gravitational waves and the collisions that create the elements we are made of. Through “multi-messenger” signals like kilonovae and gamma-ray bursts, we’ll uncover how the cosmos communicates its most violent events. Blending scientific insights with creative expression, this journey reveals how listening to the Universe—and protecting its silence—can connect science, nature, and humanity. Dr Karelle Siellez is a French astrophysicist and lecturer at the University of Tasmania. A specialist in multi-messenger astronomy, she contributed to the first detection of a gamma-ray burst and gravitational waves from the same cosmic event, recognised with the 2017 Breakthrough Prize. She is also an award-winning science communicator who integrates art, sound, and storytelling into her work, making complex astrophysics accessible and inspiring. Karelle has lived and worked in France, the USA, and now Tasmania—where she divides her time between telescopes, classrooms, and the wilderness of sea and forest. |
2026 Tour Dates
The tour will be visiting 9 locations around Australia in 2026. More information on venues, times and how to register will appear here when available. You can also subscribe to our news bulletin to be kept informed about the tour and download the tour poster to spread the word! 23 June - Girls in Physics Breakfast | Perth Southern Suburbs | More information and registration 23 June - Marie Curie Public Lecture | Perth | Register 24 June - Girls in Physics Breakfast | Perth Northern Suburbs | More information and registration 24 July - Girls in Physics Breakfast | Melbourne | More information and registration 24 July - Marie Curie Public Lecture | Melbourne | More information and registration 17 August - Marie Curie Public Lecture | Canberra | Register to Attend in person or via Livestream 19 August - Marie Curie Public Lecture | Wollongong | Register 20 August - Marie Curie Public Lecture | Sydney | Register 21 August - Marie Curie Public Lecture | Newcastle | Register to Attend in person or via Livestream 24 August - Marie Curie Public Lecture | Adelaide | Register to Attend in person or via Livestream 26 August - Marie Curie Public Lecture | Brisbane | Register to Attend in person or via Livestream 27 August - Girls in Physics Breakfast | Brisbane | More information and registration coming soon 1 October - Marie Curie Public Lecture | Hobart (TBC) |  |
Past lecture recordings
2025 - Dr Danielle Holmes: Quantum century: Unlocking the universe’s secrets and shaping our future (delivered at the University of Melbourne, 25 July 2025)
2024 - Prof Susan Coppersmith: What do theoretical physicists do? (delivered at Flinders University, 16 August 2024)
2023 - A/Prof Karen Livesey: Nano-Magnets (Claire Corani Memorial Lecture, delivered at Flinders University, 7 September 2023)
2021 - Prof Susanna Guatelli: Radiation Protection of Astronauts in Human Missions to Mars: Simulation and Reality (delivered at the University of Queensland, June 2021)
Past dates
15 August 2025 - Girls in Physics Breakfast (QLD) | Brisbane | Dr Sol H Jacobsen
15 August 2025 - School of Mathematics and Physics Research Colloquium | University of Queensland | Dr Sol H Jacobsen
14 August 2025 - 2025 Marie Curie Public Lecture | Brisbane | Dr Sol H Jacobsen
13 August 2025 - Girls in Physics Breakfast (WA) | Perth Southern suburbs | Dr Danielle Holmes
12 August 2025 - 2025 Marie Curie Public Lecture | Perth | Dr Danielle Holmes
12 August 2025 - Girls in Physics Breakfast (WA) | Perth Northern suburbs | Dr Danielle Holmes
11 August 2025 - 2025 Marie Curie Public Lecture - Claire Corani Memorial Lecture | Adelaide | Dr Sol H Jacobsen
7 August 2025 - 2025 Marie Curie Public Lecture and Women in Physics Award Ceremony | Wollongong | Dr Sol H Jacobsen and Dr Danielle Holmes
6 August 2025 - Joint AIP - ANU RPhys Director's Colloquium | Dr Sol H Jacobsen
5 August 2025 - 2025 Marie Curie Public Lecture | Newcastle | Dr Danielle Holmes
5 August 2025 - 2025 Marie Curie Public Lecture | Canberra | Dr Sol H Jacobsen
30 July 2025 - 2025 Marie Curie Public Lecture | Hobart | Dr Sol H Jacobsen30 July 2025 - 2025 Marie Curie Public Lecture | Sydney | Dr Danielle Holmes
25 July 2025 - 2025 Marie Curie Public Lecture | Melbourne | Dr Danielle Holmes
20 May 2025 - 2025 Girls in Physics Breakfast | Livestream of Melbourne event| Dr Danielle Holmes
20 May 2025 - 2025 Girls in Physics Breakfast - An invitation | Melbourne | Dr Danielle Holmes
CONTACT INFORMATION PO Box 73 Parkville VIC 3052 |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
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