Physics Gymnasium Lecture Series
video archive
Watch past lectures from the Physics Gymnasium Lecture Series in our video archive below.
The Physics Gymnasium Lecture Series is aimed at students of all ages with a keen interest in Physics, as well as teachers and parents. Browse our past lectures below or find out about future lectures you can attend.
Glow in the Dark: How Fluorescence Reveals Hidden Details from Art with A/Prof. Elizabeth Hinde
Step into the glowing world of fluorescence and discover how light can uncover hidden details. In this lecture, we will explore how shining light on a sample - using fluorescence spectroscopy and optical microscopy - can reveal hidden pigments in artworks and track the movement of proteins inside living cells.
2026
Wave or Particle? The Enigma of Light with Prof Harry Quiney
Join us for an illuminating exploration of light and matter. From its historical conception to the cutting-edge mysteries of today, we’ll delve into the perplexing question: is light a wave, a particle, or both?
Uncover the mind-bending science behind this fundamental concept and discover where the future of photonics might lead.
2025
Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity: light, space and time with Prof David Jamieson
In this lecture we explore the fascinating world of Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity. Discover how space and time intertwine, depending on your perspective, and witness how these extraordinary phenomena impact our everyday lives.
Prepare to expand your mind as we delve into the captivating realm of light, space and time.
2025
Forces in the Early Universe with Dr Peter Cox
In this lecture we explore how the fundamental forces have shaped our Universe.
We take a journey through the history of the Universe from its beginnings as a hot plasma of elementary particles, to the emergence of the first atoms, and on towards the formation of galaxies.
2025
The Physics (and some Ethics) of Reading Minds with Dr Daniel McCloskey
Where physics meets neuroscience.
We will explore the amazing physics, from superconducting quantum interference devices to genetically-engineered neurons that glow when they fire, that are being used to access the incredibly tiny signals that underpin our consciousness. While much of this neurotechnology is motivated by understanding, diagnosing, and treating devastating neurological diseases, it is now finding increasing use in designing hyper-persuasive advertisements and intentionally addictive digital experiences.
As neurotechnology moves closer to widespread personal use, our society will have to reckon with what level of ‘thought privacy’ we are comfortable with, and what the legal limits of neurological data use should be.
2025
Optics: The Future is Meta with Prof Ann Roberts
Join us for an enlightening lecture, where we delve into the cutting-edge world of optical technologies and metamaterials. Discover how these innovative materials are revolutionising the way we interact with light, paving the way for breakthroughs in telecommunications, microcops and imaging techniques.
Don't miss this opportunity to glimpse the future of optics!
2025
Demystifying Physics with Professor Roger Rassool
Physics can often seem complex, especially when faced with topics like electricity and magnetism. But what if you could see the connections between these concepts and the broader world of physics?
In this lecture, we’ll break down the complexities of electricity and magnetism, showing how they are part of a consistent framework that spans from light to X-rays to gamma rays. By exploring the why behind these phenomena, rather than just memorizing the what, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of the subject but also be better equipped to excel in your exams.
2025
Spectroscopy in astrophysics with Stephanie Bernard
How do we work out what is inside things trillions of kilometres away from us?
Astronomy and physics regularly examine the very largest and very smallest things in the Cosmos. By looking at the different sorts of light or energy transformations that characterise objects in our Universe, we can work out what they are made of, what temperatures they are, and even how far away the most distant stars and galaxies are.
In this lecture, we will use concepts from Unit 1 and Unit 4 physics to discover what different colours of light mean, and how astronomers use this light to work out the properties of almost everything in the Universe.
2024
Generating electricity power with Prof Rachel Webster AO
Victoria's Latrobe Valley houses Australia's biggest coal plant, but what if we could generate power using the coal while it’s still in the ground? Geothermal energy offers a clean, sustainable alternative. Imagine using Earth's internal furnace to generate power!
Aligning well with electricity, power generation and society themes in VCE Physics Units 1 to 4, this lecture will also explore how a 'Smart Geothermal Industrial Loop' could be the key to sustainable power generation and a future less reliant on fossil fuels such as natural gas. Tap into the potential of geothermal - Victoria's hot new energy source!
2024
Physics for cancer treatment with Dr Jacinta Yap
This lecture will explore how physics is currently used to treat cancers in hospitals every day and also explore what may be possible with future developments in this exciting and important field. We will explore the world of medical physics – from radiation and particle therapy concepts, to accelerator technologies – and discuss how a career in physics can take you across the world and into many multidisciplinary fields.
2024
The biggest explosions of the Universe with Dr Hannah Middleton and Dr Nichole Barry
Join astrophysicists, Dr Hannah Middleton and Dr Nichole Barry, as they discuss black holes colliding and the greatest explosion we have ever known, the Big Bang! Find out about the basic physics used to measure and understand these out-of-this-world events.
2024
Protecting astronauts from ionising radiation on the mission to Mars with Professor Susanna Guatelli
Join our special guest, Professor Guatelli (University of Wollongong and 2021 AIP Women in Physics Lecturer), to find out about the latest research on how we can protect our astronauts from radiation on their long journey to Mars.
May 2021
Bringing dark matter to light with Maddy Zurowski and Bill Dix
Join dark matter researchers, Maddy Zurowski and Bill Dix, as they reveal the mysteries of dark matter and how we can use some clever Physics to detect this elusive particle right here in Australia.
April 2021
Glow in the dark: Using fluorescence to observe DNA in a living cell with Dr Liz Hinde
Join us for the third lecture in the 2021 series as Dr Liz Hinde explores how we use fluorescence microscopy methods to visualise how molecules move throughout the 3D DNA network of a living cell. Plus, there will be lots of Glow in the Dark demonstrations!
2021
Resistance is futile with Dr Stephan Rachel
From simple electrical circuits (eg a battery connected to a light bulb) to one of the most fascinating states of quantum matter, a superconductor: we will discuss the role of resistance and how these things react to the presence of a magnetic field.
2021
Is the world digital or analogue?
In this super digital age, we live in, is analogue now obsolete? Of course not! Just ask Faraday, Lorentz, Coulomb and even Einstein. Join us for an exciting journey as we use the fundamental forces studied in Year 12 physics and measure the properties of the natural world. Maybe we can then convince you that the "old" really is better? One thing we do know for certain: in Physics, there is always Uncertainty - as Heisenberg knew.
2021