The Sydney Quantum Academy, a partnership between four Sydney universities, has welcomed Australia’s first National Quantum Strategy launched on May 3 by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic and Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley.
In a press release, Prof Peter Turner, CEO of SQA, described quantum as the “next big technological revolution,” which is expected to have significant positive effects in the next decades.
However, he also said that technology is one of the most competitive areas of research, emphasising the importance of attracting the brightest young brains from Australia and abroad in addition to nurturing the exceptional research expertise the nation already has.
“We look forward to collaborating with the Federal and State governments in exploring measures to help attract global quantum talent and see Australia as a top destination for a thriving quantum career. This will necessarily include targeted initiatives and increased national collaboration,” said Prof Turner.
The academy, a collaboration between Macquarie University, UNSW Sydney, University of Sydney, and the University of Technology Sydney, is supported by the NSW Government and offers scholarships, professional development programs, and a thriving community for quantum research and start-ups.
Since 2019, SQA has funded more than 150 PhD students across the spectrum of quantum physics, seeking candidates both domestically and abroad while pursuing progressive diversity goals.
In order to enhance their graduate experience, SQA students are free to enrol in a variety of quantum courses at any of the four partner universities.
SQA said it also arranges internships for students in industry – in and around the quantum sector – in order to broaden the reach of their skills and experience in the wider economy.
“SQA is creating the future academics, engineers and business founders who will grow the quantum ecosystem in Australia,” said Prof Turner.
According to the academy, Australia stands to benefit greatly from quantum technologies as Australia’s national science agency CSIRO’s 2022 analysis calculated that commercialising quantum technologies might generate a $2.2 billion economy and 8,700 employment in Australia by 2030.
By 2045, this may amount to approximately $6 billion and 19,400 employees, the analysis found.
