The Australian Institute of Physics upcoming events

21st Patras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs and WISPs (9 Nov 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

From the Standard Model of particle physics to concordance cosmology, many of the most compelling ideas about how the universe works now point toward a rich and elusive dark sector. The 21st Patras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs and WISPs, hosted by The University of Western Australia at its Crawley campus on the banks of the Swan River in Perth, will be held from 9–13 November 2026, and will gather leading experts and emerging researchers to probe this frontier.

Workshop website

Continuing a distinguished series that began at CERN in 2005, the workshop will focus on innovative theoretical developments, laboratory and astrophysical searches for dark matter and dark energy, and state-of-the-art efforts to uncover new weakly interacting particles and constrain their properties. This edition will highlight the growing Australian and Asia–Pacific contributions to dark sector physics, drawing on UWA’s strong ecosystem in precision measurement, quantum technologies and astroparticle physics.

The workshop will delve into the physics of axions, WIMPs and WISPs in all their facets: direct and indirect detection strategies, novel detector concepts and readout schemes, astrophysical and cosmological probes, and the latest theoretical frameworks that knit these approaches together. By bringing together diverse communities, from quantum sensing and precision metrology to gravitational waves, cosmology and particle theory, the Patras Workshop in Perth aims to spark new ideas, forge fresh collaborations and accelerate progress toward unveiling the dark sector.

Information on previous workshops can be found here.

Physics Wikipedia Edit-a-thon (9 Nov 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

All members of the Physics community (industry professionals, students, academics, teachers, etc) are invited to this networking and learning event in Sydney.

Please join us after work on Monday 9 November for snacks, chats, and to hear from Alice Woods and Annie Reynolds from Wikimedia Australia on how to create a Wikipedia page and prevent it from being removed.

There will be the chance to work in groups on Wikipedia pages of some prominent Australian women physicists. Only 20% of Wikipedia biographical pages are for women. And their profiles are TWICE as likely to be deleted than those of men. For example, the page for future Nobel laureate Donna Strickland was famously removed.

Pending the popularity of this event, we will tackle another topic in Australian Physics in 2027.

Joining us will also be Dr Melanie Zeppel who has run similar Edit-a-thons and has edited over 100 Wikipedia articles for women in STEM.

If you are able, please bring a laptop.

Thank you to our sponsors:
- the School of Physics at the University of Sydney for room hire
- gemaker (research commercialisation consultancy) for covering travel expenses
- Wikimedia Australia
- NSW branch of the Australian Institute of Physics

Your registration fee helps to cover catering costs.

Public lecture by John Martinis (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Dear AIP members,

You are being given first notice that tickets for this free public lecture have just opened through ticketsWA. Register now to secure seats ahead of the general public!

NOTE: Do not register at this link if you are invited via Quantum Meets Med-Tech, Forrest Research Foundation or 21^STPatras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs & WISPs as reserved seating has been allocated—if unsure contact linda.barbour@uwa.edu.au

Public lecture

by John Martinis

Nobel Laureate

in Physics
2025

Date: 10 November 2026

Time: 6.30 pm

At: Octagon Theatre, UWA

Cost: Free

Registration essential at ticketsWA

From prehistoric qubits to building a useful quantum computer

In the span of four decades, quantum computation has evolved from an intellectual curiosity to a potentially realizable technology. John Martinis will describe his thesis work on macroscopic quantum tunnelling and energy-level quantization that led to the Nobel Prize, as well as several other important experiments that advanced superconducting qubits. Nevertheless, the path toward a full-stack scalable technology is a work in progress. There are significant outstanding quantum hardware, fabrication, architecture, and algorithmic challenges that must be solved. In his talk John Martinis will show how the road to scaling could be paved by adopting existing semiconductor technology to build much higher-quality qubits and employing system engineering approaches.

John Martinis did pioneering experiments in superconducting qubits in the mid 1980’s for his PhD thesis. He has worked on a variety of low temperature device physics during his career, focusing on quantum computation since the late 1990s. He was awarded the London Prize in low temperature physics in 2014 for his work in this field. From 2014 to 2020 he worked at Google to build a useful quantum computer, culminating in a quantum supremacy experiment in 2019. He was awarded the John Stewart Bell prize in 2021. In 2023 he co-founded the startup Qolab to build a superconducting quantum computer. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2025. He is in Perth as part of the Forrest Research Foundation Distinguished Visiting Researcher program and will present a plenary lecture at the 21^stPatras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs and Wisps, at The University of Western Australia, November 8-13.

2026 AIP Physics in Industry Day (12 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 21:45:00 GMT

2026 AIP Physics in Industry Day: Physics in Government

The 2026 AIP Physics in Industry Day shines a spotlight on the vital yet often overlooked role physicists play in government and public services, exploring how scientific expertise shapes policy, strengthens national capability and supports the community. Through sessions on Australia’s policy landscape, real‑world career pathways inside the public service, and the power of science advocacy, attendees will hear from leaders including former Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley AM and discover how physicists can influence decisions, address emerging needs in areas like quantum and nuclear, and engage effectively in political and public discourse. Designed as an accessible, thought‑provoking event for researchers, industry, educators and the public, this year’s program invites you to rethink the impact physicists can have beyond the lab—and within the nation’s most important institutions.

More information and program: Physics in Industry Day 2026

Neutrinos on the rocks: the IceCube experiment and the 2026 Nobel Prize for Physics (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Join the AIP Victoria Branch for a fascinating public lecture with Prof. Ray Volkas, who will take us behind the scenes of this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics.

Prof. Volkas will unravel the story and science behind this year's award presented to Francis Halzen "for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin."

About the speaker: Prof. Ray Volkas is a theoretical particle physicist at the University of Melbourne. His research interests lie in theories that go beyond the Standard Model of particle physics to explain various mysteries, including the tiny but nonzero neutrino masses, the nature of dark matter, and the origin of the cosmological matter-antimatter asymmetry of the universe. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, a Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor at the University of Melbourne, and a former Head of Physics at that institution.

Members of the AIP are invited to join us immediately after the lecture for our the Victoria Branch AGM (details will be emailed to members separately).

Public lecture with Physics Nobel Prize Laureate Professor John M. Martinis (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 07:00:00 GMT

From prehistoric qubits to building a useful quantum computer

Over the past four decades, quantum computing has evolved from a fascinating theoretical concept into one of the world's most promising emerging technologies. In this special lecture, Professor Martinis will reflect on the pioneering research that earned him the Nobel Prize, including his groundbreaking work on macroscopic quantum tunnelling and energy-level quantisation, as well as other key advances that helped establish superconducting qubits as a leading platform for quantum computing.

Despite remarkable progress, significant scientific and engineering challenges remain before large-scale quantum computers become a reality. Professor Martinis will explore the hurdles that researchers continue to face in hardware, fabrication, architecture and algorithms, and discuss how adapting established semiconductor technologies and systems engineering approaches could help unlock the next generation of high-quality qubits and scalable quantum systems.

Registration is essential via The University of Sydney Faculty of Science Webpage

This event is hosted by Petra Andrén, CEO, Quantum Australia with an introduction from Professor David Reilly, The University of Sydney and CEO and co-founder of Emergence Quantum.

AGM - AIP QLD Branch (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The Queensland Branch of the Australian Institute of Physics will be hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday the 17th November 2026 commencing at 6pm AEST.

The meeting will be held at the function room above the Ship Inn, South Bank (map). Finger food will be provided.

The meeting will also be broadcast on Teams. Link to be provided closer to the date.

AIP WA Student Conference 2026 Registration (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Please see the conference home page for more information:

AIP WA Student Conference 2026

Abstracts should be 200–400 words, and submitted with the title <FirstName>_<LastName> in PDF format. Please follow the style guide in the attached documents: abstract_template.zip .

Presenter registration will close on the 6^th of November 23:59. Applicants will be notified of the outcome on the 9^th of November.

KOALA 2026 – The 17th Conference on Optics, Atoms, and Laser Applications (30 Nov 2026)

Sun, 29 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

KOALA is a unique, non-profit, “for students, by students” event. The conference began in 2008 to give undergraduates and Higher Degree Research students in optics, photonics, quantum, and laser applications a platform to present research and network with peers and industry leaders. With around 100 attendees in recent years, KOALA is now the leading student conference in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

KOALA 2026 will feature:

Plenary talks from industry and academic leaders
40+ student talks and 50 poster presentations
An industry engagement night
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and careers panels

To make the conference as accessible as possible, for those that attend and present at KOALA the conference registration is an all-inclusive fee, covering all programmed conference activities, as well as accommodation with a light breakfast.

More Information

QLIME 2026: Quantum Light, Information, Matter & Electronics (30 Nov 2026)

Sun, 29 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Please consider attending the 2026 QLIME Conference to be held at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia 30 Nov – 4 Dec 2026. Registration deadline is 15 September 2026. We have worked to keep registration fees very low ($250 delegate/$120 student) and we encourage student and ECR participation.

QLIME brings together leading Australian and international researchers in the fields of Quantum Light, Information, Matter, and Electronics to foster collaboration and identify new opportunities in these interrelated fields. The workshop is the second in a biannual series held in Australia.

The organisers intend to create an interactive environment with exciting talks as well as plenty of time for offline discussions.

Topics include:
Quantum Light: Nanophotonics, optoelectronics, quantum communications.
Quantum Matter: Strongly interacting systems, topological materials, cold atomic gases and condensates.
Quantum Information: Quantum computing and quantum information science.
Quantum Electronics: Applications of quantum phenomena in electronic devices.
Interfaces: Topics at the interfaces of quantum research areas, e.g. strongly coupled light/matter systems.

AIP Congress 2026 (7 Dec 2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

7 - 11 December 2026, University of Sydney

Register Here

ANZOS and Cognate/Reciprocal Society members

Members of the AIP and our cognate and reciprocal societies, including ANZOS members, receive discounted registration rates. If you are a member of a cognate or reciprocal society, please register your cognate/reciprocal membership here first to enable access to the discounted rates. Members of ANZOS cognate societies Optica and SPIE are also eligible to register for member discounts.

AIP & ANZOS Congress

The Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) and The Australian and New Zealand Optical Society (ANZOS) are co-hosting, AIP Congress 2026, the premier gathering of physicists from across Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. This event will bring together researchers, educators, and industry professionals to share the latest advances in physics, foster collaborations, and inspire the next generation of scientists.

The program features keynote presentations, focus sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, highlighting cutting-edge research and innovation across all fields of physics.

Congress website

Important Dates

24 April	Abstract submissions open
24 April	Call for focused sessions
May 2026	Registration opens
03 July	Abstract and Focus Sessions submission closes
10 July	Focus sessions outcomes announced
14 August	Abstract reviews outcomes announced
28 August	Early bird registrations close
20 November	Registrations close

Cancellation Fee and Refund Policy

For delegate registrations:

Up to 6 November 2026: Full refund minus $50 administration fee.
From 7 November 2026: 50% of payment refunded.
From 23 November 2026: no refund.

For accompanying person registrations:

Up to 22 November 2026: Full refund minus $50 administration fee.
From 23 November 2026: no refund.

Contact us

admin@congress.aip.org.au

Australian Physics Career Fair 2026 (11 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 02:00:00 GMT

The Australian Physics Career Fair is designed to connect undergraduate, honours, master's, and PhD physics students, early-career physicists, and graduates with employers, industry leaders, and organisations. The event showcases how physics skills can lead to diverse and rewarding career opportunities.

Registration is free.

The Career Fair will provide an opportunity for students to explore career pathways, meet potential employers and gain practical advice on leveraging their physics skills in the workforce. The program will also include professional development opportunities, including sessions focused on preparing for a wide variety of careers.

Australian Physics Career Fair
Friday 11, December 2026
1pm – 4pm
Belinda Hutchison Building, University of Sydney
Free

Time	DRAFT PROGRAM
1pm	Official Welcome
1pm	1. Panel: Your Physics Skills in a New Industry* (30 min)
1pm	Career Counselling
2pm	Career Counselling	2. Lecture (30 min)
2pm	Career Counselling
3 pm	Career Counselling	3. Workshop (30 min)
3pm	Career Counselling
3:45pm	Closing
4pm	Event concludes

Exhibitors

Interested in exhibiting? We are looking for representation from a variety of employers. Please complete our expression of interest form to be part of this event. It is free to exhibit.

Apply Now

AMSI Summer School 2027 (11 Jan 2027)

Sun, 10 Jan 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Applications for the AMSI Summer School 2027 are now open!

AMSI Summer School is an annual national training and networking event for honours and postgraduate students in the mathematical sciences and related disciplines, early career researchers and industry professionals looking to upskill.

Celebrating its 25th year, Summer School 2027 will be hosted by UNSW Sydney from 11 January – 6 February (virtual participation also available).

Connect with peers, researchers and potential future employers while developing your mathematical skills. You can even take a subject for credit!

More Information

Program

The AMSI Summer School 2027 program offers eight carefully selected subjects taught by expert lecturers from across Australia. Participants can study one or two subjects, and with permission from their home university, students can use an AMSI Summer School subject to gain credit towards their degree.

Several social and networking events, participants talks, and a Careers Day will be held throughout the four weeks to complement the academic program.

Subjects

Analytic Number Theory
Introduction to Model Theory for C*-algebras (Sponsored by AustMS)
Stochastic Control, Reinforcement Learning and Applications
Bayesian Statistical Learning (Sponsored by SSA)
Optimisation and decision-making under uncertainty (Sponsored by ANZIAM)
Validated numerical proofs
Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Scientists and Engineers
Mathematics of extreme events in nature

Wagga 2027 at AMN12 in Auckland, NZ (8 Feb 2027)

Sun, 07 Feb 2027 13:00:00 GMT

The Annual Condensed Matter and Materials Conference, hosted by the CMM group of the Australian Institute of Physics is traditionally held in Wagga Wagga.

However, the 49th Wagga conference in February 2027 will be co-located with the 12th International Conference on Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology (AMN12) in Auckland. Dedicated condensed matter sessions will be included in the wider nanotechnology and materials programme. Wagga2027 attendees are invited to enjoy the entire AMN12 conference.

The conference will showcase research across areas such as condensed matter physics, superconductivity, magnetism, photonics, and advanced electronic materials. Financial AIP members receive a discount on registration.

In addition to its technical programme, Wagga conferences are well known for their strong community culture. This includes the traditional trivia night, a focus on equity, and ensuring a diverse group of speakers.

Up to 10 awards are available for student/ECR attendees based in Australia to attend, with applications accepted when submitting an abstract.

Abstract submission closes 23 August 2026.
See: https://iconevents.eventsair.com/amn12/wagga2027

Please spread the word and we hope to see you in Auckland in February.

Best wishes,
Karen Livesey and Simon Granville
Wagga2027 chairs

PHYSCON2 2027 - Driving the future of physics education (19 Feb 2027)

Thu, 18 Feb 2027 13:00:00 GMT

PHYSCON 2027 is a hybrid event proudly presented by the VicPhysics Teachers’ Network in collaboration with the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria (STAV) and with the support of Swinburne University of Technology. It will be on Friday 19 February, 2027 along with a Saturday morning program.

It is an innovative and exciting professional development event for secondary school Physics teachers featuring:

live-streamed keynote addresses from Prof Nicole Bell from the University of Melbourne on ‘Neutrinos: The Invisible Particles that Shape the Universe’ and from Dr Stuart Midgely, Federal AIP president, on ‘The Physics of Data Centre Cooling’.
round table discussion on planning a curriculum for the future
3 sessions of workshops in person and online, with the majority of workshops livestreamed. There are 40 workshops on offer covering Pedagogy, Curriculum, AI, Assessment, Experiments, Enrichment and Commercial
access to exhibitors
networking opportunities over morning tea, lunch and post-conference drinks
VCAA Update (TBC)
review of the Nov 2026 VCE Physics exam *
visits to Swinburne’s Virtual Universe gallery
Saturday Morning Taster of the excursion to the Australian Synchrotron
Saturday Morning Medical Physics In-Service at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

*VCAA has asked assessors not to present examination reports or ‘meet the assessor’ style sessions at subject association events. The review at this conference will be presented by an experienced person who is familiar with the exam process but is not involved with the Nov 2026 exam paper.

More Information

The Australian Institute of Physics upcoming events

21st Patras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs and WISPs (9 Nov 2026)

Physics Wikipedia Edit-a-thon (9 Nov 2026)

Public lecture by John Martinis (10 Nov 2026)

2026 AIP Physics in Industry Day (12 Nov 2026)

Neutrinos on the rocks: the IceCube experiment and the 2026 Nobel Prize for Physics (12 Nov 2026)

Public lecture with Physics Nobel Prize Laureate Professor John M. Martinis (17 Nov 2026)

AGM - AIP QLD Branch (17 Nov 2026)

AIP WA Student Conference 2026 Registration (19 Nov 2026)

KOALA 2026 – The 17th Conference on Optics, Atoms, and Laser Applications (30 Nov 2026)

QLIME 2026: Quantum Light, Information, Matter & Electronics (30 Nov 2026)

AIP Congress 2026 (7 Dec 2026)

The Australian Institute of Physics Congress

7 - 11 December 2026, University of Sydney

Register Here

ANZOS and Cognate/Reciprocal Society members

AIP & ANZOS Congress

Congress website

Australian Physics Career Fair 2026 (11 Dec 2026)

Exhibitors

AMSI Summer School 2027 (11 Jan 2027)

Wagga 2027 at AMN12 in Auckland, NZ (8 Feb 2027)

PHYSCON2 2027 - Driving the future of physics education (19 Feb 2027)