Girls in high school don’t often get to hear a neutron star merger, measure the speed of light with a microwave, or speak to scientists on an Antarctic research base. But at Physics Unboxed, they did all three — and more.

Over two days in July, more than 280 high school girls from Sydney and surrounding regions attended Physics Unboxed: a dynamic two-day event hosted by the Quantum Science Group and the School of Physics at the University of Sydney. From hands-on experiments to insider lab tours and conversations with real-world physicists, the program aims to encourage high school girls to continue their studies in physics through the HSC and beyond, and to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

The need for such interventions is well documented. Despite decades of advocacy, women remain significantly underrepresented in physics — comprising only 23% of academic staff¹ and just 14% of the STEM workforce². National data shows that fewer than 25% of physics undergraduates identify as female³, with numbers dropping sharply at postgraduate levels⁴. Research continues to highlight persistent barriers, including entrenched stereotypes⁵, lower confidence in STEM subjects⁶, and a lack of visible female role models⁷.

Physics Unboxed was conceived as a response to these enduring barriers — a program designed to foster inclusion and challenge gendered stereotypes about who belongs in physics. In her opening address, Physics Head of School, Dr Tara Murphy, reminded the audience that science is for everyone – and that there is no one type of person who “does” science. Reflecting this ethos, the event centred voices and experiences that have historically been underrepresented: of the 23 invited speakers and panellists, 16 identified as female. For many of the high school girls in attendance, this visibility was powerful: it was a rare opportunity to encounter female role models in physics and to begin imagining themselves in similar roles.

Dr Xanthe Croot welcomes students to the Physics Unboxed Event

Dr Theresa Fruth introduces students to particle physics, different species of particles and the search for dark matter

Dr Laura Driessen introduces students to radioastronomy

Prof Anita Ho-Baillie and Prof Helen Johnston mingling with students and teachers over morning tea

Prof. Anita Ho-Baillie discusses the importance of developing more efficient solar cells

Dr Xanthe Croot hosts a Q+A panel on day 2 (23 July) with physicists (from left to right): Prof Maryanna Large, A/Prof Sveta Postnova, Dr John Bartholomew, Nada Salama, A/Prof. Arunima Malik and Prof Helen Johnston

Dr Xanthe Croot hosts a Q+A panel on day one (22 July) with physicists (left to right): A/Prof Ben Fulcher, Dr. Laura Driesson, Prof Celine Boehm, Prof Zdenka Kuncic, Dr Hilary Byrne, Prof Andrew Doherty and Dr Katherine Kinder

 

The program also disrupted narrow conceptions of what a physicist does. Reflecting on the event’s objectives, key organiser Dr Xanthe Croot highlighted the importance of broadening students’ perspectives on what a career in physics can entail and “the many exciting places that it can take you.” Across two days, students engaged with researchers from across the physics spectrum. From quantum computing and the search for dark matter to DNA-robots, solar cell innovation, and sustainable supply chains, students were exposed to a wide range of career paths within physics — and invited to reimagine the discipline as dynamic, impactful and inclusive of diverse interests and contributions.  

But the learning did not stop at the lecture theatre, and students were invited to roll up their sleeves and experience physics in action. In the First Year Physics Labs, students measured the speed of light with a microwave and chocolate, then watched in awe as PhD students Tim Newman and Stephanie Rossini-Bryson brought soundwaves to life with Chladni plates, a Ruben’s Tube and a varied soundtrack featuring Opera music. They toured research labs, where they learned about the cutting-edge tools and technology of modern physics; explored the cosmos through virtual reality headsets; and even joined a live Zoom call with researchers at an Antarctic research base. From campus facilities to remote research stations and virtual galaxies, students were immersed in the many environments where physics unfolds. By opening up new worlds — both literal and figurative — Physics Unboxed helped students to imagine a future for themselves in science.

Students explore the universe using virtual reality headsets

PhD candidates Tim Newman and Stephanie Rossini-Bryson visualise soundwaves with a Ruben’s Tube and assortment of music

Honours student, Grant Chan, shows students a high-power enclosed laser system in the Quantum Control Laboratory

Honours student Grant Chan presents a newly constructed ion trap, engineered to capture a type of ion not previously used in quantum computing research

Students embark on a virtual tour of the ATLAS detector in Switzerland

Prof David Reilly explains how a dilution refrigerator works to students visiting the Quantum Nanoscience Laboratory

Honours student Michelle Kazarinov gesturing towards the dilution fridge in the Superconducting Quantum Circuits Laboratory

Honours students Aruna Sathyanarayanan Balaprabhavathi and Michelle Kazarinov introduce students to the printed circuit boards /low temperature mounting pieces that are used to connect qubits to the the mixing chamber

 

Shifting the gender imbalance in physics requires early and sustained intervention, and the Quantum Science Group — together with the School of Physics — has taken up the challenge. Following a successful pilot program for girls in Years 9–10 in 2024, the Physics Unboxed program was expanded in 2025 to include students in Years 11–12. With a 95% satisfaction rate and strong school demand, Physics Unboxed will return in 2026 — underscoring its success, impact, and the School of Physics’ ongoing commitment to improving women’s representation in the field

A big thank you to the Physics Unboxed organising committee, including Dr. Xanthe Croot, Dr. Manisha Caleb, Dr. Theresa Fruth and Dr. Laura Manenti; to the staff and students who volunteered their time; and to the sponsors who made this event possible.

References:

1. Australian Academy of Science. Women in STEM Decadal Plan. Retrieved from Australian Academy of Science – Decadal Plan
2. Australian Academy of Science. How Women and Girls Are Transforming STEM. Retrieved from Australian Academy of Science – STEM Workforce Report
3. Department of Industry, Science and Resources. STEM Equity Monitor – Diversity in STEM Insights from the 2021 Census. Retrieved from STEM Equity Monitor
4. Ibid.
5. Australian Academy of Science. How Women and Girls Are Transforming STEM
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.