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
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!
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
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
Expression of Interest
Physics Unboxed is at capacity for 2025. If you wish to attend the 2026 event, register your interest below.
Committee
Physics Unboxed is designed and run by:
- Dr Manisha Caleb
- Dr Xanthe Croot
- Dr Laura Manenti
- Dr Theresa Fruth
- Professor Manjula Sharma
Sponsors
Physics Unboxed warmly thanks our sponsors for their valued contributions.
