In early August, three members of the Quantum Science Group – Dr Cyril Laplane and PhD students Maverick Millican and Yuktee Gupta – packed their bags and embarked on a road trip from Karratha to Perth, stopping off at remote communities, schools and youth centres to give science-themed talks and demonstrations.

So began the 2025 National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip, an annual program designed to bring quantum technology and particle physics to schools and communities that may not otherwise have access to such cutting-edge science, and to inspire regional and remote students to consider careers in science. As key organiser Dr Kristin Beer notes, students in remote and regional Australia are less likely to pursue a career in science – and the Road Trip aims to change that. You can read more about its mission here.

Dr Cyril Laplane at Meekhatharra High School

PhD student Maverick Millican (left) at Karalundi College

Dr Cyril Laplane (centre) at Dongarra District High School

Dr Cyril Laplane (centre) and PhD student Yuktee Gupta (right corner) at the Youth Shed, Karratha

Carnamah District High School

 

Whilst much of the Road Trip was spent in regional and rural areas, its organisers also held outreach events in capital cities, including a Demo Day and Public Talk at the University of Sydney on 16 August, 2025. Co-hosted by the Quantum Science Group and aimed at junior high school students, this immersive event aimed to demystify complex physics, spark interest in STEM, and make cutting-edge science feel accessible to young minds – encouraging students to imagine themselves as part of the next generation of scientists.

Attendees explored quantum science and dark matter through hands-on demonstrations, lab tours, and interactive activities. They heard from the Quantum Science Group’s Dr John Bartholomew who – in a nod to the UN International Year of Quantum – gave a talk that charted the quantum world’s evolution over the past 100 years: from 19^th century light bulbs through to Australia’s billion-dollar investment into quantum computing.

From remote towns to metropolitan campuses, the Quantum Science Group continues to champion science that’s inclusive, inspiring and accessible to young minds. Through the National Road Trip, satellite events, and its wider outreach activities, the Group is helping to nurture emerging talent and shape the next generation of scientists.