Quantum technologies include quantum computing, sensors, communications and more. They allow us to see and engineer the world at ever smaller scales and are already changing many aspects of science and the economy, including medicine, remote sensing and navigation.

We are now on the cusp of breakthrough advances that will transform medicine and diagnostics, drug development, minerals exploration, and the development of new materials.

When the race to build a quantum computer succeeds, we will have unprecedented capability to solve problems and ask questions that are simply not possible in the era of classical computing.

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, is working to lift Australia’s quantum literacy and engagement and supporting the development of a new quantum industry in Australia.

Quantum Meets

Dr Foley is leading a workshop series introducing the quantum opportunity to different sectors and explore the specific opportunities that quantum offers in each sector. 

The series brings together quantum experts and researchers with industry. It aims to accelerate the uptake of quantum technologies and build demand in Australian economy, ensuring Australian businesses are prepared and Australia makes the most of its expertise to remain at the forefront of the quantum revolution. The workshops are presented in partnership with CSIRO and other agencies and organisations.

Quantum Meets

Speeches

National Quantum Strategy

Dr Foley led the development of Australia’s National Quantum Strategy with the support of a taskforce in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

The strategy sets out a long-term vision for how Australia will take advantage of the opportunities of quantum technologies.

National Quantum Strategy 
 

World Quantum Congress: accelerating the value of the growing quantum industry

Earlier this year Dr Foley attended the 2023 Quantum World Congress in Tyson, Virginia. Recordings of her keynote and a national quantum update are now available for viewing.

Quantum computer

A time to commit

Dr Foley delivered a speech called "A time to commit: Making the most of Australia's strengths in the new economy" at the InnovationAus launch of the Capability Papers in Canberra on 19 October 2023.

City lights overlaid with a network diagram

Making a little magic: Building demand for quantum

Dr Foley delivered a speech called "Making a little magic: Building demand for quantum" at the Quantum World Congress in Washington DC on Thursday 27 September 2023.

Dr Foley speaking at a lectern

Australia's expertise and offering in quantum

On Thursday 18 May, a speech by Dr Foley titled "Australia's expertise and offering in quantum" was broadcast at The Economist's Commercialising Quantum Global 2023 Conference in London.

Sign that says 'Quantum Leap Ahead' on a background of sketched clouds

Quantum in action

Dr Foley delivered a speech titled "Quantum in action" at Quantum Australia 2023 on Tuesday 21 February 2023 in Sydney.

Dark background with code sweeping across.

Australia: Quantum's early bird

Dr Foley addressed the Quantum World Congress in Washington DC, where she discussed Australia’s quantum ambition and activity, including the benefits of international collaboration. Australia was an early investor in quantum research and is now a global quantum leader, with a strong commitment to accelerate this set of technologies.

Cathy Foley is Quantum world congress

Dr Cathy Foley delivers Quantum Australia Conference keynote 2022

On 23 February 2022, Dr Cathy Foley delivered the keynote presentation as part Sydney Quantum's Quantum Australia Conference. In her presentation, Dr Foley discusses the next phase of building a quantum strategy for Australia, and the importance of having all of Australia’s quantum voices represented.

Sydney Quantum Academy 2

Dr Cathy Foley welcomes quantum announcement

The Quantum Commercialisation Hub is the first step to securing Australia’s quantum future, providing an avenue for talented Australians to build their companies and technologies.

A quantum computer

New tools bring huge opportunity for geospatial industry, and science more widely

Open access to the research and science literature would help unlock the benefits of the fast-changing tools of science, Dr Cathy Foley says

Cathy Foley

Dr Cathy Foley delivers National Press Club Address

17/03/2021 - 3:47pm

On 17 March 2021 Dr Cathy Foley delivered her inaugural National Press Club address as part of Science meets Parliament. In her speech Achieving Impact from Australian science, Dr Foley discusses her priorities for her tenure as Australia’s Chief Scientist, and the critical role for science in achieving these priorities.

Cathy Foley at the Press Club