Dear {Contact_First_Name},
As we move into the second half of the year, there is much to celebrate across the Australian physics community, from the achievements of our members to the enthusiasm of the next generation of physicists representing Australia on the world stage.
I had the pleasure recently of joining students, families, alumni and mentors in Canberra ahead of the Australian Olympiad Teams Announcement at Parliament House. Having been involved with the Physics Olympiad program for decades, it was wonderful to see another cohort ready for this remarkable experience. I wish them every success.
International Physics Olympiad, 4-12 July, Colombia:
- Aditya Chauhan, Sydney Technical High School, NSW
- Luke Hackett, Marist College Canberra, ACT
- Yifan ‘Evan’ Liao, James Ruse Agricultural High School, NSW
- Michael Tikhanov, John Monash Science School, VIC
- Owen Zhai, Brisbane State High School, QLD
Olympiad competitions are about scientific excellence but the programs are equally about friendships, shared experiences and networks that often last a lifetime. Many former Olympians return as mentors and organisers, continuing a tradition of giving back that has strengthened these programs. Former physics Olympians have included Prof. Akshay Venkatesh (Fields Medal 2018) and Dr Adele Morrison (Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year 2022).
Building and sustaining our future physics workforce remains a central priority for the AIP. This month, we released a new report examining undergraduate physics participation in Australian universities. The report shows that enrolments have remained broadly stable, with around 14,000 students studying first-year physics each year. While this is encouraging, the continued underrepresentation of women in physics majors, at just 21–23 per cent, highlights the significant challenges that remain. Creating a more diverse and inclusive physics community is essential if we are to meet Australia's future scientific and technological needs.
There are many opportunities in the coming months for members to connect, contribute and inspire others. Planning is well underway for the 2026 AIP Congress in Sydney, where we look forward to welcoming physicists from across Australia and internationally. I am particularly pleased to see the inclusion of public lectures by Professor Jessie Christiansen and Dr Derek Muller, extending the reach of the Congress beyond delegates and into the wider community. In response to strong interest, the deadline for abstracts and focus session proposals has been extended by one week and will now close on 3 July. I encourage members to take advantage of this additional time and submit their contributions.
I also encourage members to consider nominating colleagues for the many awards currently open, recognising excellence in research, education, outreach and service. Recognition matters. It celebrates achievement, highlights role models and reminds us of the many ways physicists contribute to society.
Finally, nominations for the AIP National Executive for the 2027–2028 term are now open. Serving on the Executive is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future direction of the Institute and support our vibrant physics community. I encourage members to consider becoming involved. Thank you for your ongoing support of the AIP and for all that you do to strengthen physics in Australia. |
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Stuart Midgley
President, Australian Institute of Physics |
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Flat enrolments in university-level physics and persistent gender gaps
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A new AIP report reveals that undergraduate physics enrolments in Australia have remained broadly stable, with around 14,000 students studying first-year physics annually. However, female participation in physics majors remains persistently low at just 21–23%, highlighting the ongoing challenge of improving gender diversity in the discipline. Read the full report here.
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Gender breakdown of students enrolled in the physics major at third-year level, from 2019 – 2023.
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Congress Public Lecture Program
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The Congress Organising Committee has confirmed two outstanding public lectures to be hosted at the University of Sydney as part of the AIP Congress program, showcasing physics to both delegates and the wider community. On Monday, 7 December (6–7pm), Professor Jessie Christiansen will present to Congress delegates and the general public on our opening night. An internationally recognised astrophysicist and science communicator, Jessie is renowned for her work in exoplanet discovery. On Thursday, 10 December (6–7pm), acclaimed science communicator Dr Derek Muller, creator of the award-winning Veritasium YouTube channel, will deliver the second public lecture. Derek is renowned for making complex scientific ideas accessible to millions worldwide and his presentation will provide an engaging discussion before the final day of the conference – our Career Fair and Education Day – on Friday. These lectures form an important part of our program, extending its impact beyond delegates by providing opportunities for the broader community to engage with leading voices in physics. Submissions (Abstracts and Focus Sessions): https://indico.global/event/16926/ Registrations are open: https://www.aip.org.au/congress |
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Painting the Universe: Marie Curie LecturesThe next Marie Curie Public Lectures will take place in July in Melbourne and August across Canberra, Wollongong, Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide and Brisbane, with Girls in Physics Breakfasts in Melbourne and Brisbane. Find out more and register here.
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AIP National Executive nominations for 2027-2028
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The AIP National Executive has nominated the following candidates for the 2027-2028 term:
- President - Susan Coppersmith
- Vice-President - Kirrily Rule
- Honorary Secretary - Noël Hanna
- Honorary Registrar - Stephen Collins
- Honorary Treasurer - Dongchen Qi
- Awards Officer - Muhammad Usman
Further nominations from eligible members are welcomed. Nominees must be voting members of the AIP and be eligible to be a director under the Corporations Act and the ACNC Act. For further information on the roles and responsibilities of the National Executive, email executive@aip.org.au.
Nominations duly proposed and seconded by voting members and accompanied by the written consent of the nominee must be received via aip@aip.org.au by 21 August 2026. Find out more. |
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Awards and prizes
Award recipients
Ahead of the Australian Olympiad Teams Announcement at Parliament House, Australia's International Science Olympiad teams gathered in Canberra with families, alumni and mentors for an informal evening of media training and celebration. A highlight was hearing from AIP President Dr Stuart Midgley, who shared insights from decades of Olympiad involvement and encouraged students to value friendships and experiences alongside competition.
Galactic collision leads to King’s Birthday Honour for experimental physicist Emeritus Professor David Blair AO. Congratulations to Professor Blair from The University of Western Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) for being recognised in the Kings Birthday Honours. Awarded Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to physics, precision measurement science, gravitational wave research and scientific education.
Open for nomination
Have you undertaken research that is improving physics teaching in the classroom? The Teachers' Guild of NSW Research Award recognises outstanding research by NSW and ACT teachers and postgraduate students. If your work is making an impact, apply now. Nominations close 3 July.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 NSW Community Outreach to Physics Award, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to physics outreach, education and community engagement in NSW. The award includes a $1,000 prize and certificate. Nominations close 30 July 2026. Contact secretary@nsw.aip.org.au.
Students and early career researchers working in condensed matter physics can now apply for the AIP Condensed Matter & Materials ECR Awards for Wagga2027/AMN12 this year hosted in Auckland. Up to 10 awards will support conference participation and presentations. Applications close 23 August 2026 alongside abstract submissions.
Know an outstanding teacher making a lasting impact in their school community? Nominate them for a World Teachers' Recognition Award and help celebrate excellence in education. Recognise their contribution and be inspired by the achievements of past recipients. Nominations are now open until 26 September 2026. |
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In brief: events, opportunities and updates
Fundamental problems in subatomic physics
Researchers working at the frontier of subatomic physics are invited to attend the CSSM Workshop, 23–27 September 2026. Topics span lattice and perturbative QCD, dark matter, nuclear physics, astrophysics, hadron structure and AI applications. The workshop celebrates longstanding Australia-Japan collaboration while fostering international exchange. Abstract submissions close 31 August and registrations close 9 September. Find out more.
Be a guest on Einstein a Go Go
Ready to share your research with a wider audience? Einstein a Go Go on Melbourne's 3RRR is seeking guests from physics, Earth sciences and related fields for interviews in the second half of 2026. Melbourne-based researchers, including PhD students and ECRs, are encouraged to get in touch.
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#PhysicsGotMeHere From nanophotonics to STEM education: How physics led Dr Kristy Osborne into teacher education
For Dr Osborne, physics has been the foundation for a career spanning research, assessment and teacher education. After completing a PhD at Queensland University of Technology on how light interacts with metallic nanostructures, Kirsty undertook research at the University of California, Berkeley as a Fulbright scholar before continuing her work at CSIRO. She discovered a passion for education through CSIRO's Scientists in Schools program. Since then she has taught physics at QUT, developed assessments including GAMSAT, NAPLAN and PISA at the Australian Council for Educational Research, and now prepares the next generation of teachers at La Trobe. "My physics training changed the way I understand the world around me," she says. "There are a lot of career paths that flow out of a physics degree and I never expected to develop a passion for teaching and end up where I am today." Read the full article.
If you would like to be featured, or nominate a colleague for a #PhysicsGotMeHere profile, please contact our editors.
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Physics in the news
Don’t scare the cat! Engineers have found smarter ways to measure quantum systems. “Our team of quantum researchers has found an answer to this problem, and it might be an important milestone on the road to building a quantum computer,”says UNSW Scientia Professor Andrea Morello. UNSW researchers have developed a new method to detect errors in quantum computers while minimising disruption to fragile quantum states. Inspired by Schrödinger’s cat, the approach could improve quantum error correction and marks an important step towards building practical quantum computers. Watch the Quantum Error Detection Agency video.
Analysis of deep sea sediments has revealed traces of plutonium-244 from a rare cosmic explosion more than 100 million years ago, deepening the mystery of whether the event was a giant supernova or neutron star collision. Read the Nature article, by honorary lecturer at the ANU Research School of Physics, Dr Dominik Koll.
Scientists in Europe and China have created the world's first functional nuclear clocks, opening new possibilities for probing dark matter and fundamental physics. UNSW physicist Professor Victor Flambaum described the achievement as an “outstanding result”, adding that the “race for building super-accurate nuclear clocks just started”.
From bending free kicks to spectacular saves, physics is at the heart of soccer. As the FIFA World Cup unfolds, Michigan State University physicist Stuart Tessmer explains how forces, momentum and air pressure shape every pass, shot and goal in the world's most popular sport.
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AIP Membership
Attending the 2026 AIP Congress? Take advantage of discounted member registration rates!
Financial members of the AIP have access to numerous benefits including financial support for students, our quarterly magazine Australian Physics, and discounts to AIP events. If you have any questions, please email aip@aip.org.au.
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Free Teacher Associate Membership
The AIP has launched a free Teacher Associate membership category for Australian school teachers. Find out more.
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Careers
Jobs board
The AIP is partnering with Physics World Jobs to deliver a dedicated jobs board for physics-related roles. Employers can post both paid listings and complimentary ads, with free postings featured for up to two weeks. Find out more.
Australian Physics World Careers 2026 guide
The Australian Physics World Careers 2026 guide showcases the diverse career pathways available to physicists, highlighting the breadth of work undertaken across industry, research, government and beyond. This year's edition features leaders from UK intelligence agency GCHQ, explores careers in nuclear energy and offers practical career advice. Read the 2026 guide here.
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Thank you to our supporters
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The Australian Institute of Physics, PO Box 73, Parkville 3052, VIC Australia.
You are receiving this bulletin from the Australian Institute of Physics because you are a valued stakeholder. Would you like to become a member, or renew your membership with the AIP? Members receive discounts to events, online and physical copies of the Australian Physics magazine, be able to be nominated for prizes and awards, have access to travel money, support physics in Australia and more. Join Australia's leading physicists today here. To renew your AIP membership, click here. Sent by Science in Public, on behalf of the Australian Institute of Physics, aip.org.au. Send enquiries and contributions by the 20th of each month to physics@scienceinpublic.com.au.
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