Research is not an ancient feature of the university, yet has become central to their identity. To tackle the really big questions, such as containing malaria, requires networks of researchers across many institutions. It is the republic at its most inspirational as it discovers and communicates the excitement of new knowledge.

Lecture 3: Research! A Mere Excuse for Idleness

The 2023 Boyer Lecture series is called 'The Atomic Revolution' and is presented by Professor Michelle Simmons AO, a pioneer in atomic electronics and global leader in quantum computing. Starts Sunday, October 22 at 9.30am.

Across the four lectures she’ll explore manufacturing at the atomic scale,  why Australia is perfectly positioned to build the world’s first error-corrected quantum computer, and the importance of doubt in science.

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What will a quantum computer look like? Will quantum computing supercharge AI? Can it save us from the climate crisis? Professor Michelle Simmons has the answers.

Q&A with Professor Michelle Simmons

Doubt is often seen as a something to be overcome — a failing, or even a sign of incompetence. But in her fourth and final lecture, Professor Michelle Simmons tells us why doubt is her greatest asset.

04 | The Importance of Doubt

In her third Boyer lecture, Professor Michelle Simmons maps how science has changed from 1927 to now — moving from the theoretical to the applicable.

03 | Imagination and Mindset

In her second Boyer lecture, Professor Michelle Simmons details the international race underway to build the first error-corrected quantum computer.

02 | The Quantum Promise

Computing machinery that used to fill an entire room has now shrunk to the size of individual atoms. In her first lecture, Professor Michelle Simmons tells the story of miniaturisation  — and how Australia found itself at the forefront.

Lecture 3: Research! A Mere Excuse for Idleness

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