Public lectures in physics
The 2025 July Lectures in Physics
A series of free public lectures exploring physics: from the most fundamental questions to its influence in society.
Every Friday in July, since 1968, the July Lectures in Physics have been informing audiences and captivating the public’s imagination.
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Unravelling the universe: From ancient skies to the quantum future
Join us for the 2025 July Lectures in Physics, a thought-provoking series exploring the forces that shape our universe—both ancient and cutting-edge. We begin by looking to the past, uncovering how early civilisations understood the cosmos through archeoastronomy. Then, in celebration of the UN’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, we dive into the fascinating world of quantum physics, where revolutionary advances in computing, biology, and technology are transforming our future. Whether tracing the night sky or unlocking the mysteries of the microscopic world, these lectures will explore our Universe from past discoveries to the physics of tomorrow.
- All lectures are available in-person or via live stream.
- Refreshments will be served after each lecture in the Ed Muirhead Museum, School of Physics
- Free public lectures, please book via Eventbrite.
- More information: suzie.sheehy@unimelb.edu.au
Pacific sky knowledge
By Prof Clive Ruggles, University of Leicester UK
6pm Friday 4 July 2025, Lecture Theatre, Melbourne School of Design
For Polynesian and Micronesian navigators, the stars were essential guides across the vast Pacific—but they were also deeply woven into spiritual and social life. In this talk, we explore Indigenous Hawaiian astronomy through recent archaeological research on temple alignments and new translations of 19th-century Hawaiian-language sources. These reveal a richly dynamic tradition in which star names and sky knowledge evolved with cultural needs, shaping agriculture, ritual, and community structure. We’ll also preview newly compiled catalogues of Polynesian and Austronesian star names from the forthcoming edition of Nā Inoa Hōkū, and consider how this work informs broader discussions—from cultural history to international efforts to standardise star names.
Note: We are grateful for the support of the Laby Foundation for enabling this talk, which forms part of the wider programme of the Oxford XIII Cultural Astronomy School and the IAU Symposium 399: Indigenous Astronomy in the Space Age.
Quantum biotechnology and quantum sensing
By A/Prof David Simpson, University of Melbourne
6pm Friday 11 July 2025, Lecture Theatre, Melbourne School of Design
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology recognises 100 years since the initial discovery of quantum mechanics. The development of quantum technologies, which leverage the quantum properties of materials, is now on in earnest. In this talk, I will discuss how diamond materials are leading a new quantum sensing revolution that is transforming our understanding of the human body. From decoding magnetic signals in brain tissue to detecting iron imbalances in our body, these breakthroughs are not just illuminating biology in new ways - they’re also powering a new wave of medical technologies. Discover how quantum physics is being used to tackle some of medicine’s biggest challenges, and how the lab discoveries of today are becoming the clinical tools of tomorrow.
Quantum computing: From science fiction to powerful technology
By Dr Josh Combes, University of Melbourne
6pm Friday 18 July 2025, Lecture Theatre, Melbourne School of Design
Quantum computers promise to revolutionise technology—but how do they actually work, and why do they seem so strange? Join Dr Josh Combes, a leading quantum physicist from the University of Melbourne, as he unpacks the mind-bending principles that power quantum computing. From entanglement and superposition to the art of quantum measurement and feedback, Dr Combes will explain how the bizarre rules of quantum physics can be harnessed to process information in entirely new ways. Drawing on his own research into the subtleties of quantum control and error correction, this talk will explore how we move from quantum weirdness to quantum advantage—and what that could mean for the future of technology, science, and society.
Quantum century: Unlocking the universe’s secrets and shaping our future
By Dr Danielle Holmes, University of New South Wales
6pm Friday 25 July 2025, Lecture Theatre, Melbourne School of Design
100 years ago, quantum physics was born to explain curious behaviour of tiny things. Since then, it has become our most accurate theory in history. It has unlocked secrets of our Universe, such as why stars shine and how migratory birds navigate. In this talk, I will take you on a journey to visit these surprising and consequential wonders of the quantum world. I will then reveal how scientists are now harnessing quantum physics to develop revolutionary computers that will solve problems that are currently out of reach, such as designing new medicines to fight disease and developing new materials to combat climate change. Quantum physics is the most powerful tool that humans possess, not just for increasing our understanding of the world, but for shaping its future.
Note: This event is proudly supported by the Australian Institute of Physics as part of the 2025 Marie Curie Lecture Series.
The science and stories of Melbourne's particle accelerators
By Dr Adam Steinberg, University of Melbourne
6pm Friday 1 August 2025, Hercus Theatre, School of Physics, University of Melbourne [NB: venue change]
Particle accelerators are an underpinning technology that shapes our daily lives, from treating cancer to producing the microchips in our phones. Melbourne has a long and fascinating history with these machines. Just years after their invention, the first accelerators were being built here, launching a legacy of homegrown scientific innovation. In this talk, we’ll uncover the stories behind Melbourne’s accelerators and the generations of scientists and engineers who have worked on them: from early machines built in-house to probe atomic nuclei to today’s commercial systems found in hospitals, factories, and labs across the city. Along the way, we’ll see how the evolving roles of accelerators – from purely curiosity-driven research tools to industrial workhorses – have transformed our society. Celebrating the 50th year of the Melbourne Pelletron accelerator, join us as we explore the hidden world of particle accelerators and the unexpected ways they shape our lives.
Note: This event is proudly supported by the NCRIS Heavy Ion Accelerators (HIA) programme, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the University of Melbourne Pelletron accelerator. If you are interested in attending a special alumni celebration event earlier in the day, please contact Alina Bryleva.
Explore our huge archive of past lectures
Every Friday in July since 1968 the July Lectures in Physics have been informing and entertaining the public.
Watch past lectures back to 1991 by selecting below or view the timeline of the lecture's history.
