The Australian Institute of Physics (WA Branch), the Science Teachers' Association of Western Australia (STAWA) and Quantum Girls are conducting a breakfast event to introduce modern physics to Year8, 9 and 10 girls and inspire and motivate them to consider going on to study high level mathematics and Physics in Year 11 and 12. This event is part of the AIP's Marie Curie Lecture Tour.
Audience: Motivated Year 8, 9 and 10 Girls who demonstrate aptitude and interest in science, accompanied by a female science teacher or other female role model (up to six students per school).
Cost: This event is FREE but registration is essential.
Register here
Talk title: Painting the Universe: A Visual and Musical Exploration of Space-Time
Brief outline: 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.
Presenter: Dr Karelle Siellez is an 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.
Program:
| 8.00 - 8.45 |
Start with juices and a light breakfast |
| 8.45 - 9.00 |
Introduction – Acknowledgement of Country (Host school), Career opportunities that open up for higher-level maths, physics and chemistry graduates. |
| 9.00 – 10.00 |
2026 Marie Curie Lecturer Dr Karelle Siellez from the presents Painting the Universe: A Visual and Musical Exploration of Space-Time |
| 10.00 - 10.20 |
Morning tea |
| 10.20 - 11.30 |
Series of fun, hands-on activities introducing participants to the quantum world. Coordinated by Quantum Girls |
| 11.40 - 11.50 |
Revisiting the amazing career opportunities in Physics |
| 11.50 – 12.00 |
Close with round table discussions and feedback |
Download the event flyer
