Dear {Contact_First_Name},
I’m pleased to announce that the AIP has awarded an Honorary Fellowship to Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC, His pioneering research in semiconductor physics, optoelectronics and nanotechnology has shaped modern electronic and photonic technologies.
National Science Week starts 15 August. It’s is a fantastic opportunity to highlight and celebrate the impact of physics across research, education and everyday life, while also reflecting on the policies and investment needed to secure its future. AIP Science Week events include the Marie Curie Lecture Series by Dr Karelle Siellez and the AIP NSW Einstein Lecture where Dr Luke Barnes will ask, “Does God Play Dice?”
It’s inspiring to see such strong public enthusiasm for physics, with Dr Siellez's Melbourne events selling out and attracting more than 700 attendees.
The AIP has responded to the Australian Research Council's review of the National Competitive Grants Program and written directly to Prof Ute Roessner requesting further consultation. We welcome efforts to simplify funding and strengthen support for early-career researchers, while raising important concerns about the proposed removal of dedicated mid- and senior-career fellowships and changes to infrastructure funding. These reforms will shape the future of Australian physics, and I encourage members to share their views with our Policy Committee to help inform the AIP's ongoing advocacy. |
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I’d also ask that everyone get involved in the Academy of Science's “Restore Science” campaign by sending a letter to their local politicians.
The AAS is looking to send over 30,000 emails in support of Australian science. |
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Are you handy with a camera? Got a great physics photo? Why not enter it in the Beauty of Physics Photo Competition - win a prize and promote physics.
Wagga2027/AMN12 has announced the Condensed Matter & Materials ECR Awards and early bird registrations for the AIP Congress 2026 are closing 28 August.
Finally, I encourage all physicists to use your position, influence and enthusiasm to promote and advocate for physics as a creative field that delves into the unknown to create new knowledge. |
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Dr Stuart Midgley President, Australian Institute of Physics |
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Global physics leader Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC awarded AIP's highest honour
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Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC is one of Australia's most distinguished physicists, whose pioneering research in semiconductor physics, optoelectronics and nanotechnology has shaped modern electronic and photonic technologies while influencing generations of researchers around the world. Combining internationally recognised scientific excellence with outstanding leadership and service to the global physics community, he has helped strengthen Australia's standing as a leader in physics research and innovation.
In recognition of these exceptional achievements, the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) has awarded Professor Jagadish an Honorary Fellowship to be presented in December at the AIP Congress 2026.
He joins current Honorary Fellows Prof David Booth, Prof Robert Delbourgo, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, Prof Bruce McKellar AC, Prof Tanya Monro AC, Prof Brian Schmidt AC, Prof Michelle Simmons AO, Prof Anthony Thomas AC. Read more. |
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National Science Week Painting the Universe: Marie Curie Lecture
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Two sell-out events launched the 2026 Marie Curie Lecture Series for Victorians, featuring astrophysicist Dr Karelle Siellez.
The Girls in Physics Breakfast, hosted by VicPhysics at Kensington Town Hall, brought together more than 200 attendees, including many Year 10–12 students together with women studying and working in physics and engineering, providing an inspiring opportunity to explore future careers. Thank you to Giulia Cinquegrana, who served as MC for the breakfast and networking session, and to Dan O'Keeffe, Anna Wylie and the team from VicPhysics for organising the event.
A/Prof Suzie Sheehy hosted Karelle's public lecture to an audience of over 500 as part of The University of Melbourne's July Lectures in Physics. We thank A/Prof Sheehy for partnering with us to bring this event together.
The Marie Curie Lecture Series continues throughout August with public lectures in Canberra, Wollongong, Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide and Brisbane, which includes an additional Girls in Physics Breakfast.
If you can't attend in person, livestreams are available from Canberra, Newcastle, Adelaide and Brisbane. Find out more.
The AIP gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Government's Inspiring Australia initiative for lectures held during and around National Science Week. |
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Does God play dice? 2026 AIP NSW Einstein Lecture
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Join renowned astrophysicist Dr Luke Barnes for the 2026 AIP NSW Einstein Lecture, exploring one of physics' biggest questions. This free public lecture will be held in Sydney (4 August) and the Hunter region (5 August) ahead of National Science Week. Bookings are essential. |
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Sponsorship Opportunities – help shape AIP Congress 2026
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Planning for AIP Congress 2026 is well underway, with a record number of abstracts and focus sessions submitted. As the program develops, we're inviting our members to help connect us with organisations that would benefit from participating in Australia's largest physics gathering. If you have contacts within industry, government or organisations that align with the physics community, we'd love to hear from you. The Sponsorship Committee is happy to discuss tailored partnership opportunities to suit a range of objectives. Sponsorship opportunities include the Congress dinner, plenary speakers, public lectures, coffee sponsorship, the exhibition, and a range of other high-profile opportunities that will connect organisations with our community. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the Sponsorship Committee and support your community. sponsorship@congress.aip.org.au |
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Don't forget to register.
Early bird registrations close on 28 August. This is our only registration deadline, so be sure to secure the best price on this epic event. |
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Have your say: AIP response to ARC grants review
The AIP welcomes the Australian Research Council (ARC) grants review and calls for continued consultation. The ARC’s proposed overhaul of the National Competitive Grants Program will consolidate 15 funding schemes into seven, with further consultation on grant guidelines and assessment processes still to come. While the AIP welcomes measures to reduce administrative burden and strengthen support for early-career researchers, it has raised concerns about the removal of dedicated fellowships for mid- and senior-career researchers, including proposed changes to research infrastructure funding.
The Institute has written to the ARC seeking ongoing engagement to ensure the reforms strengthen Australia's physics workforce and research capability. Members are encouraged to share their views with the AIP Policy Committee by email, to help inform the Institute's ongoing advocacy. Read more. |
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In brief: events, opportunities & updates
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Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined FuturesStep into Australia's quantum future at Questacon's new exhibition, Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures, now open in Canberra. Explore how quantum technologies could transform communication, healthcare and everyday life through immersive art, interactive displays and stories showcasing Australian researchers shaping tomorrow's world.
This exhibition was a response to Quantum Year, and its development was guided by several AIP members including Dr Cathy Foley and Dr Xanthe Croot.
A new book that will open your eyes to fascinating quantum wonders Discover the hidden world of quantum physics in Wonders of the Quantum World, a new book by Australian physicist Dr Danni Holmes, who was also honoured as the AIP's 2025 Women in Physics Lecturer. Written for a general audience, her first book explores how quantum phenomena shape our Universe, everyday life and tomorrow's technologies. Available now for pre-order, and released 11 August.
Seeking science teachers for education research
Experienced secondary science teachers are invited to participate in a Deakin University study exploring out-of-field science teaching. The research involves a 30-minute Zoom interview with teachers currently teaching science outside their formal specialisation. Mathematics teachers teaching out of field are also welcome. |
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#PhysicsGotMeHere Reducing food waste with physics: How Daniel Pelliccia turned research into agritech For Dr Daniel Pelliccia, Director of Instruments & Data Tools and CEO of Rubens Technologies, physics is helping tackle one of agriculture's biggest challenges: food waste. His Melbourne-based startup has developed a spectroscopy-based scanner that measures fruit quality before harvest, helping growers make smarter decisions about harvesting, storage and distribution. Originally planning to study engineering, Daniel instead pursued physics at Sapienza University of Rome before building a research career in Germany and Australia. An unexpected move from academia into entrepreneurship led him to apply optical physics, spectroscopy and machine learning to real-world industry challenges. "The most important skill physics teaches is the ability to make models of reality," he says. "That approach is incredibly valuable well beyond physics itself." Read more on how physics helped Daniel transform research into technologies with real-world impact.
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
What exactly happens at the surface of a black hole? It's almost impossible to know, unless you unravel the gravitational waves produced when black holes collide. ANU and OzGrav researchers have used the loudest signal yet to reveal new clues about black hole physics and warped spacetime. Mathematicians Dr Yu Deng, Dr John Pardon, Dr Jacob Tsimerman and Dr Hong Wang have been awarded the prestigious 2026 Fields Medal. Wang becomes only the third woman to receive mathematics' highest honour since the award was established 90 years ago. Why are nanobubbles being used to clean America's highest-profile pool? Researchers from ANU explain in The Conversation how these tiny, stable bubbles can deliver gases efficiently, offering innovative solutions for water treatment, industry and environmental applications. Quantum computing could become much faster. ANU researchers have developed a new quantum gate inspired by Newton's cradle, sending information through chains of trapped ions. The breakthrough enables operations up to 100 times faster than existing techniques, bringing scalable quantum computing closer to reality. Some of the UK's flagship physics facilities, including the Diamond Light Source synchrotron, face possible closure unless they generate more commercial income, according to Nature. A £42 million annual funding shortfall has sparked debate over the future of nationally funded research infrastructure.
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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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