# Physics Unboxed 2025
**Source**: https://quantum.sydney.edu.au/physics-unboxed/
**Parent**: https://astroparticle-science.sydney.edu.au/
A free one-day event for high school girls interested in physics and STEM careers.
## A Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Physicist
**Ignite – Years 9 and 10: \
Tuesday 22 July 2025**
**Frontiers – Years 11 and 12: \
Wednesday 23 July 2025**
[About Physics Unboxed](#About-Physics-Unboxed)
[The Program](#2025-Program)
[The Scientists](#The-Scientists)
[Venue](#Venue)
[Expression of Interest](#Expression-of-Interest)
[Committee](#Committee)
[Sponsors](#Sponsors)
## About Physics Unboxed
A free one-day program designed to encourage and inspire high school girls to continue their studies in science, with a focus on physics, for the HSC and beyond.
Physics Unboxed programs will include a range of speakers, panels and hands-on physics activities for girls and their teachers, tailored to respective year levels. Students and teachers will have the opportunity to engage with researchers at the cutting edge of their fields; ask questions; learn about the types of careers physics can lead to – both in industry and academia and career pathways; and get some hands-on experience in the lab.
Join us for an interactive day of hands-on science, talks and the chance to meet real physicists!
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## 2025 Program
### Ignite – Years 9 and 10: Tuesday 22 July 2025
| | |
| --- | --- |
| 9:20 – 9:30 AM | **Registration** @ Messel Lecture Theatre Foyer |
| 9:35 – 10:35 AM | **Welcome and Talks** Messel Lecture Theatre |
| 10:35 – 10:55 AM | **Morning Tea** @ Messel Lecture Theatre Foyer |
| 11:00 – 12:25 PM | **Hands-on Workshops** School of Physics, 1st Year Lab Spaces |
| 12:30 – 1:15 PM | **Lunch** @ Sydney Nanoscience Hub Research Foyer |
| 1:15 – 1:25 PM 1:35 – 2:25 PM | **Research at Sydney** Nanoscience Hub Messel Lecture Theatre **Interactive Panel** Messel Lecture Theatre |
| 2:25 – 2:30 PM | **Wrap-up** @ Messel Lecture Theatre |
### Frontiers – Years 11 and 12: Wednesday 23 July 2025
| | |
| --- | --- |
| 9:20 – 9:30 AM | **Registration** @ Messel Lecture Theatre Foyer |
| 9:35 – 10:35 AM | **Welcome and Talks** Messel Lecture Theatre |
| 10:35 – 10:55 AM | **Morning Tea** @ Messel Lecture Theatre Foyer |
| 11:00 – 12:25 PM | **Hands-on Workshops** and Lab Tours School of Physics Lab Spaces |
| 12:30 – 1:15 PM | **Lunch** @ Sydney Nanoscience Hub Research Foyer |
| 1:15 – 1:25 PM 1:35 – 2:25 PM | **Studying Physics at University** Messel Lecture Theatre **Interactive Panel** Messel Lecture Theatre |
| 2:25 – 2:30 PM | **Wrap-up** @ Messel Lecture Theatre |
---
## The Scientists
**Speakers and panellists**
### **Dr John Bartholomew**
Quantum physicist building the components needed to connect quantum computers across the globe.
### **Professor Celine Boehm**
Theoretical physicist investigating the invisible universe, from dark matter to cosmic evolution.
### **Dr Hilary Byrne**
Research scientist affiliated with the University, investigating radiotherapy and imaging tools to improve cancer treatment and patient outcomes.
### **Professor Iver Cairns**
Space physicist and satellite mission leader studying solar storms and space weather.
### Dr Manisha Caleb
Astrophysicist who studies space signals like fast radio bursts that help uncover our understanding of the Universe.
### Professor Andrew Doherty
Quantum theorist exploring how the rules of quantum mechanics can power new\
technologies.
### Dr Theresa Fruth
Astroparticle physicist searching for dark matter in deep underground labs and leading detector development.
### Dr Ben Fulcher
Physicist studying the dynamics of complex systems like the brain.
### Professor Anita Ho-Baillie
Solar energy expert creating ultra-efficient, flexible solar cells for a sustainable future.
### Professor Helen Johnston
Astrophysicist investigating the lives of stars and the evolution of galaxies, with a focus on Xray binaries and stellar\
populations.
### Katherine Kinder
Photonics engineer working on cutting-edge navigation and sensing technologies.
### **Professor Zdenka Kuncic**
Physicist working on testing the physical nature of intelligence using neuromorphic nanotechnology.
### **Professor Maryanne Large**
Optical physicist designing microstructured polymer fibres for use in high data communication networks.
### A/Prof. Sergio Leon Saval
Astro photonics pioneer developing optical fibre devices for astronomical instrumentation.
### A/Prof. Arunima Malik
Sustainability scientist, using big data to track the environmental impact of\
global supply chains.
### Dr Laura Manenti
Particle physicist exploring dark matter and neutrinos using advanced detectors deep underground.
### Professor Tara Murphy
Astrophysicist and Head of the School of Physics, known for discovering cosmic radio signals from colliding neutron\
stars.
### Professor Sveta Postnova
Biological physicist modelling sleep, circadian rhythms, and brain dynamics.
### **Professor David Reilly**
Quantum physicist building the hardware that could power tomorrow’s quantum\
computers.
### Nada Salama
Physics PhD exploring the frontiers of cosmology.
### **Janet Salem**
Physics PhD researching integration of sustainability data into financial data. CEO of Footprint Lab.
### **Peter Verwayen**
Senior physics laboratory manager with over 40 years of experience in the IT,\
electronics and research sector.
### **Dr Shelley Wickham**
Nanotechnologist designing DNA-based robots to detect and treat disease at the\
molecular level.
---
## Venue
Messel Lecture Theatre (4002)\
Building A31, Sydney Nanoscience Hub\
Physics Road, Camperdown, The University of Sydney\
NSW, 2050
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## Expression of Interest
Physics Unboxed is at capacity for 2025. If you wish to attend the 2026 event, register your interest below.
[Register your interest](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#64140c1d170d07174a110a060b1c010024171d000a011d4a0100114a05115b1711060e01071059211c14160117170d0b0a440b02442d0a100116011710440d0a44340c1d170d071744310a060b1c0100420509145f260b001d592d44130b11080044080d0f0144100b441601030d1710011644091d440d0a100116011710440d0a44100c0144340c1d170d071744310a060b1c0100440112010a1044020b164456545652)
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## Committee
Physics Unboxed is designed and run by:
- Dr Manisha Caleb
- Dr Xanthe Croot
- Dr Laura Manenti
- Dr Theresa Fruth
- Professor Manjula Sharma
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## Sponsors
Physics Unboxed warmly thanks our sponsors for their valued contributions.