The final countdown? Experts discuss preparing for the Quantum Age

On Wednesday 24 April, some of the Faculty of Science's leading quantum experts addressed these questions as part of a thought-provoking event that launched the 2024 Science at Melbourne Public Lecture Series.

^{Panellists discussed how quantum computers will transform various sectors}

Hosted by physicist and science communicator Associate Professor Suzie Sheehy, the event began with an ‘In Conversation’ with Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology and Director of the IBM Quantum Hub at the University of Melbourne Professor Lloyd Hollenberg, who set the scene by explaining the foundations of quantum technology, why it’s a hot topic, and highlighted some of the milestones in quantum history.

^{Professor Lloyd Hollenberg set the scene with an introduction to quantum}

Professor Hollenberg was then joined on stage by Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Capability) and Director of the ARC Training Centre in Optimisation Technologies, Integrated Methodologies and Applications (OPTIMA) Professor Kate Smith-Miles, and quantum technology expert Professor David Jamieson. Moderated by Associate Professor Sheehy, the panel discussion covered a diverse range of quantum topics, from its application to its impact on society and our planet.

^{L-R: Associate Professor Suzie Sheehy, Professor Lloyd Hollenberg, Professor David Jamieson and Professor Kate Smith-Miles}