Dear {Contact_First_Name},
I was pleased to see the release of the Ambitious Australia: Strategic Examination of Research and Development final report.
The report is a strong call to action to be bold in our ambition, increase investment in research and to alter the relationship that the Australian community has with research. It offers a new framework to support and guide how Australia prioritises and invests in research. The basis of the framework is to consolidate research into 6 broad pillars, each with their own committee(s) to oversee strategy and the setting of goals.
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The report includes recommendations to protect and support foundational research, and to strengthen indirect cost support, and to commit ongoing funding to ensure sustainability of research infrastructure. I look forward to the government’s response.
The AIP is seeking an enthusiastic, organised and strong communicator for the role of Honorary Secretary. This member-only role is a key position within the AIP executive and offers enormous exposure to the Australian and international physics community. If you are interested or know someone who would be interested, please let me know, president@aip.org.au.
Nominations for all of the 2026 Australian Institute of Physics Awards have been extended to 8 April. Awards offer a valuable opportunity to acknowledge those shaping the future of physics across research, industry, education and communication – so please take this opportunity to nominate a colleague, peer or student.
This year’s Marie Curie Lecture Tour will be given by the 2026 Women in Physics Lecturer Dr Karelle Siellez – an astro physicist, science communicator and science-artist. Keep an eye out for tour dates and encourage colleagues, friends and family to attend.
Nominations remain open for the 2027 Women in Physics Lecturer – please support the tour by nominating a colleague today!
Initiatives such as the Marie Curie Lecture Tour and inaugural Women in Condensed Matter Physics Award, launched at Wagga-AC2MP 2026, help to reduce barriers and strengthen participation, ensuring the future of physics in Australia diverse and impactful.
Please continue to nominate colleagues and peers from industry, with a physics background, to be part of Physics Got Me Here. This interview series is designed to inspire students to explore physics careers through the achievement of others. This month we feature how physics shaped John G Chapman's career in the diamond industry.
Finally, please remember to use your position and influence to promote physics as an innovative and creative endeavour that shapes the future and underpins all modern technology.
Stuart Midgley
President, Australian Institute of Physics
president@aip.org.au |
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2026 AIP Awards - nominations extended Nominations for the 2026 Australian Institute of Physics Awards have been extended and will now close on 8 April 2026. The AIP Awards celebrate excellence across research, leadership, education, communication and service to physics in Australia. There’s still time to recognise the people shaping the future of physics in Australia. Previous award recipients highlighted the breadth of impact across Australian physics.
The Ruby Payne-Scott Award for Excellence in Early-Career Research recognised Dr Cullan Howlett (University of Queensland) for his leadership in analysing some of the world’s largest galaxy surveys, advancing our understanding of dark matter and dark energy, which together make up around 95% of the Universe. The Alan Walsh Medal honoured A/Prof David Simpson (University of Melbourne), whose work in quantum-enabled technologies is driving real-world impact through diamond-based sensors for biomedical imaging and precision magnetometry. Applications are now translating into start-ups, improving the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and iron-related disorders. Read about the 2025 Award winners.
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Senior Research Awards
- Walter Boas Medal
- Harrie Massey Medal and Prize (biennial)
- Alan Walsh Medal for Service to Industry (biennial)
Early Career & Student Awards - Ruby Payne-Scott Award for Excellence in Early-Career Research
- Bragg Gold Medal
- TH Laby Medal
Service, Leadership, Communication & Education Awards - AIP Award for Outstanding Service to Physics in Australia
- Women in Leadership Medal (biennial)
- AIP Women in Physics Lecturer
- Physics Communication Award (biennial)
- AIP Education Medal (biennial)
Nominations now close 8 April 2026 and must be submitted online. For any submission enquiries, please contact: aip@aip.org.au. |
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Marie Curie Lecture Tour
The AIP's annual Marie Curie Lectures celebrate outstanding women in physics through a national public lecture series. This tour is conducted as part of the AIP's Women in Physics Lecturer Award, which recognises a woman who has made a significant contribution to a field of physics.
In 2026, Women in Physics Lecturer, Dr Karelle Siellez (University of Tasmania) will lead the tour, exploring connections between science, nature and humanity. This tour is supported by the Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia initiative during National Science Week. Dates and locations to be announced soon.
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Image left to right: Hanh Duong, Awsaf AlSulami, Qurat Ul Ain, Simone Cunzolo, Maria Sanchez, Juliana Avtarovski, and Lei Chen. |
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Women in Condensed Matter Physics (WiCMP) Award
A new award was launched recently to support women PhD physics students to reduce barriers and strengthen participation in the field. The inaugural Women in Condensed Matter Physics (WiCMP) Award, was launched at Wagga/AC2MP 2026 in February, with support from Professor Yun Liu (ANU) through the ARC Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship. Seven women PhD students and early-career researchers (pictured) were recipients of this first round. Awsaf AlSulami, University of Melbourne, commented. “The meeting also enabled me to network with researchers across Australia and internationally, including participants from Taiwan, China, and Japan. I particularly appreciated meeting many more women in the field than I would typically encounter in my day-to-day academic environment.”
The AIP thanks the ARC Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship scheme for making this inaugural award possible. Read the full article.
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Diamonds, data and light – #PhysicsGotMeHere
From UV to infrared, physics has shaped John G Chapman’s career in the diamond industry. With a physics degree from the University of Queensland and more than 25 years across the diamond pipeline with Rio Tinto diamonds, he has applied optics, experimental design and data analysis from exploration through to jewellery markets.
John’s career is featured in the latest edition of Australian Physics Magazine. If you would like to be featured or nominate a colleague for an upcoming #PhysicsGotMeHere profile, please contact our newsletter editors. |
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AIP CongressMonday, 7 - Friday, 11 December 2026 University of Sydney
Abstracts opening soonThe AIP’s biennial Congress will be held in Sydney from 7–11 December, bringing together the Australian and international physics community for our flagship event. We have a fantastic lineup of plenary speakers who are global leaders spanning the breadth of physics research, education and translation. Stay tuned for the announcements of our plenary and invited speakers in the coming weeks! The Congress is your chance to showcase your research as a part of this global program. Abstract submissions and a call for focus sessions will open shortly, so start preparing your submissions now. Links will be shared via email and LinkedIn. Sponsors and exhibitorsWould your organisation be interested in sponsorship? Organisations interested in sponsoring or exhibiting with this event are encouraged to submit an EOI or contact the Sponsorship Chair. Complete our Expression of Interest form. |
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Join the Diversity and Equity Group in Australian Physics (DEGAP) committee
The AIP National Executive is calling for nominations to the Diversity and Equity Group in Australian Physics (DEGAP) committee. DEGAP works to promote equity, advocate for members, and address barriers to career progression for underrepresented groups in physics, including those from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations communities, LGBTQIA+ physicists, people with disabilities, and those across varied career paths. Positions available include Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary/Treasurer, and general committee members. If you're interested in shaping initiatives and contributing to a more inclusive physics community, expressions of interest and informal enquiries are welcome. Find out more.
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AGM: AIP Group for Astroparticle Physics (GAP)
All members of the AIP's Group for Astroparticle Physics (GAP) are invited to come together for the AGM, your chance to have a say in the direction of the group.
Join us online via Zoom on Friday, 10 April 2026 at 3:30pm Adelaide/ ACST. Register now to receive the Zoom link.
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News and opportunities
Are you an Honours, Masters or PhD student in NSW? Don’t miss your chance to showcase your research at the 2026 Physics Research Poster Presentation Network Event at Macquarie University on 20 April. Connect with peers, academics and industry, gain valuable presentation experience, and compete for prizes up to $1000. Poster registrations close 3 April, submit yours now! Invitations are open to take part in a research study exploring the experiences of women in Australian physics PhD programs. The research examines how academic environments shape identity as a scientist, particularly in male-dominated settings, and what factors support or hinder success. Build your confidence, strengthen your communication skills, and raise your profile in the quantum sector with Elevating Quantum Women’s Voices, a free, 8-week program for women and non-binary professionals in quantum science and technology. Designed to support your growth in a collaborative and empowering environment. Step up and take the stage at the AIP’s Physics in the Pub, celebrating its 12th year in Sydney! Expressions of interest are now open for presenters to deliver creative 8-minute talks, from comedy and music to quizzes and live demonstrations, all inspired by physics. Nominations close 3 July 2026.
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Thank you for supporting physics in Australia
Thank you for being a valued member of the AIP! If you have any questions or would like to discuss any initiatives, please email aip@aip.org.au.
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Physics in the news
Thousands of ants have been captured online by Antscan, a pioneering open-access database integrating high-resolution 3D scans and genetic data. It is designed to accelerate global research in biodiversity and evolution and was developed by an international team including ANU.
The world’s first quantum battery is a prototype that can be charged, store energy and discharged. It marks a significant step toward next-generation energy storage. Led by CSIRO, the work builds on quantum mechanics principles that could enable faster charging as battery size increases.
When radioactive particles in minerals decay they leave microscopic damage trails. Researchers from ANU’s Research School of Physics used the Australian Synchrotron and the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility for this work which is improving our understanding of ancient geological processes and informing the development of safer materials for radioactive waste storage.
The life of Emeritus Professor John Newton, a pioneer of Australian nuclear physics, has been celebrated in a memoir published by the Australian Academy of Science. Newton was internationally distinguished for his work in nuclear structure and heavy-ion reactions, and played an instrumental role in enhancing Australia’s nuclear science capability. Download the memoir.
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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.
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Thank you to our supporters
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Our mailing address is: Australian Institute of Physics, PO Box 73, Parkville 3052, VIC Australia.
Thank you for supporting the AIP.
If you have retired, or require financial assistance please contact, aip@aip.org.au or 0478 260 533.
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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