From quantum leaps to wild soundscapes: National Science Week put Queensland scientists in the spotlight
Issued: 5 Aug 10 mins read

Luis Villegas-Aguilar

Luis Villegas-Aguilar is a quantum physicist at Griffith University, working on some of the most mind-bending problems in science – using single photons to unlock the future of communication. 

“My first exposure to quantum was during a science outreach event,” Luis recalls. “A physicist was talking about these weird quantum effects and my first reaction was, ‘There’s no way this is real science.’ But then I learned it was real, and my attitude did a complete 180 to, ‘I want to do that!’”

What keeps him hooked is the pace of discovery. “We’re doing things in the lab today that scientists thought were impossible just five or ten years ago,” he says. “Every breakthrough opens up new directions – there’s always something new and mind-bending to learn.”

Luis shared this excitement in regional towns in central western Queensland as part of the Inspiring Australia Queensland STEM Pop-up Fairs during National Science Week, where his focus was on quantum networks and entangled particles. Why is entanglement such a big deal for secure communication? “The way we normally communicate relies on trust – and we know that hackers can fake identities,” he explains. “Entanglement is different. When two particles are entangled, they share a connection that’s almost impossible to fake. So, if you use that to communicate, you can be sure the person on the other side really is who they say they are.”

Looking ahead, Luis and his team are working on technology that could one day enable long-distance quantum communication. “Wouldn’t it be cool to have a quantum internet link between Brisbane and the Gold Coast?” he says. “No promises yet – but we’re developing the next generation of technologies that could make something like that possible.”

For Luis, sharing the wonder of quantum science with the public is as important as the research itself. “Academics are trained to be incredibly precise but that doesn’t always make for a great talk,” he says. “Now I ask myself: ‘Am I making people feel something? Am I telling a compelling story?’ That makes all the difference.”

Dr Katie Hillyer

Dr Katie Hillyer is an aquatic ecosystem scientist working with the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI). She blends traditional monitoring with cutting-edge omics (the global study of biological molecules such as metabolites, proteins, and genes) tools like metabolomics and analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) to better understand and protect complex environments like coral reefs, rivers, and estuaries.

“What excites me most is never knowing the full answer,” Katie says. “For me, science is about discovery – about continually asking questions. Using novel monitoring approaches, we can rapidly generate a lot of data in places that are traditionally difficult to study, which often uncovers more questions and helps us understand the bigger picture and where to target future management actions.”

Her research has taken her to reefs around the world – from pristine, remote systems teeming with life to those affected by bleaching, disease, and destructive practices. “I’ve seen firsthand how humans can shape the trajectory of these ecosystems,” she says. “We absolutely have the power to make a positive impact, but that takes strong leadership, long-term commitments and difficult decisions.”

Powerful “omics” techniques enable us to detect and respond to changes earlier than ever before. “Traditional indicators of system health are typically not specific and often respond too slowly to tell us what’s really driving change,” she explains. “With new monitoring approaches, we can pick up subtle signals before systems reach a critical tipping point – that early warning is everything.”

Making this science accessible is just as important to Katie as the research itself. “The work is technical, but the reasons for doing it are simple – How is your local river or reef doing? What makes it healthy or unhealthy? What plants and animals live there? Those questions should matter to everyone.”

Ultimately, Katie hopes this work contributes to long-lasting, evidence-based solutions. “Queensland is incredibly lucky to have such unique aquatic environments on our doorstep,” she says. “It’s our responsibility to better understand and protect them.” As for National Science Week, Katie loves hearing about the diversity of projects happening across Australia and stepping outside her discipline.

Dr Lindy Orwin

Dr Lindy Orwin, digital learning pioneer turned environmental champion, is the President of Cooloola Coastcare and a driving force behind community science in the Gympie region. After decades leading innovation in education technology – from the first computers in classrooms to virtual reality learning environments – Lindy now channels her expertise into local conservation, blending tech and nature to inspire change.

Her passion for hands-on science comes to life each year during National Science Week, where she and Deb Seal from the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee lead the Gympie STEM Hub’s flagship events. “We want to give kids those magical, real-world experiences that make them fall in love with science,” she says. “Meeting scientists, asking questions, and having fun with technology and nature – those moments can shape future careers.”

The 2025 program included a STEAM Train of Knowledge journey for 200 students aboard the historic Gympie Rattler and the STEAMzone Twilight Science Market, a vibrant festival packed with interactive activities and scientist encounters. “We aim to create that sense of wonder,” Lindy explains. “When young people see scientists as passionate, curious people – not just lab coats – they start to imagine themselves in those roles.”

Whether she’s organising biodiversity surveys, integrating tech tools like iNaturalist into citizen science projects, or dreaming up creative ways to engage the community, Lindy believes in the power of learning by doing. “Action Learning is at the heart of everything – ask questions, try things, reflect and keep improving,” she says. “That’s how science works, and it’s how communities can make real change.”

Professor Toan Dinh

Professor Toan Dinh is a nanotechnology innovator whose research transforms cutting-edge science into practical solutions for health, sport, and everyday life. Based at the University of Southern Queensland, Toan develops ultra-thin, stretchable sensors that stick to the skin, delivering real-time data on everything from breathing to muscle strain.

“I believe science should have a tangible impact on people’s lives,” Toan says. “Using micro and nanotechnology to improve respiratory health or prevent injuries helps turn complex engineering into meaningful outcomes.”

One of his flagship projects, Quantum 2032, funded by the Queensland Government, brings precision science into elite sport. “Wearable sensors could revolutionise how we train and protect athletes,” Toan explains. “By providing real-time, personalised data, we can detect strain or injury risk early – which is especially important for young athletes with big dreams.”

Developing skin-like sensors from rigid materials hasn’t been easy. “The challenge is turning hard electronics into something soft, wearable and reliable,” he says. “We use advanced fabrication techniques to make sensors smaller, thinner, and structurally optimised so they stay accurate during movement.”

Toan shared his work with students at National Science Week’s Quantum Connections event – and he’s passionate about the impact that direct engagement can have. “Seeing researchers in person makes science feel real and achievable,” he says. “I want students to know that curiosity and persistence can lead to amazing opportunities – and they can be part of that future.”

Looking ahead, he sees wearable tech becoming an effortless part of everyday life. “Imagine health monitoring built into your clothes or as a simple sticker on your skin,” he says. “It could quietly track your wellbeing and help prevent illness before symptoms even appear.”

Bronwyn Masters

DETSI Senior Scientist Bronwyn Masters has spent over two decades exploring how nutrients, pesticides and sediments move through Queensland’s agricultural landscapes – and ultimately to our rivers and reefs.

“I grew up in a small farming community and spent a lot of time in creeks and rivers,” she says. “When I first heard that runoff from sugarcane farms could be affecting the [Great Barrier] Reef, I was intrigued. That idea stuck with me.”

She now leads long-term water quality monitoring through the Paddock to Reef Program – a major collaborative effort that’s been running since 2009. The program has evolved dramatically over time, from manual data collection and semi-automated equipment to near real-time monitoring and greater recognition for the complexity of farming systems.

“At the start, our view of land use was rather two-dimensional. Now, I think the program’s appreciation for the interconnectedness of farming practices has also come along way – and hence how we design and deliver our projects. This can only lead to better outcomes.”

Bronwyn says what keeps her inspired are the milestones, big and small. “I recently visited our lab and saw a photo of me from the early days on the historical wall display. It reminded me of all the little steps we’ve taken to get to where we are now.”

She’s also a big believer in working closely with growers. “At the end of the day, they’re our clients. Industry events help us stay grounded and focused on what matters to them.”

During National Science Week, Bronwyn attended the Banana Industry Congress – a space to share knowledge, spark ideas and keep her research connected to the real world. “You never know where the next good idea will come from,” she says. “Conversations like those can shape the next phase of our science.”

Dr Eileen O’Hely

Dr. Eileen O’Hely doesn’t shy away from the messier side of science. Her National Science Week show was based on her book 50 Ways to Die in Space – a darkly funny deep dive into what extreme environments really do to the human body. 

The idea was sparked during a Halloween chat with her husband and publisher, but it quickly turned serious (and seriously fascinating). “Everyone knows if you’re outside a spacecraft without a suit, you die,” she says, “but I wanted to explore how, physiologically, that actually happens. Turns out a lot of what we think we know is myth.”

Her research into the physiology of space disasters debunked numerous common misconceptions. “If you took your helmet off in a vacuum, your head wouldn’t explode,” she says. “It expands, but your skin is elastic enough to contain everything. And you wouldn’t instantly freeze – heat needs a medium to travel through, so you’d actually cool down slowly.”

A trained astrophysicist and children’s author, Eileen blends facts with fun to get audiences curious about the universe. Whether it’s space, science or storytelling, she’s always looking for the best way to connect. “Even people who don’t read fiction love a good story,” she says. “So I wrap facts in narrative. The children’s screen industry calls it hiding the broccoli in the bolognese.”

Her playful approach includes her own handmade puppets, space trivia and plenty of dark humour. “Science is naturally full of wonder – and a little bit of weirdness,” she says. “When we keep it playful, people remember it. For kids especially, that’s what turns curiosity into a lifelong passion.”

Dr Daniella Teixeira

QUT’s Dr Daniella Teixeira is a conservation scientist who listens to the natural world – quite literally. She uses bioacoustics to monitor threatened species like Glossy and Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos, turning hours of sound into powerful insights about behaviour, survival, and threats.

“Sound can tell us so much – much more than whether a species is present,” Daniella explains. “By listening, we can understand behaviours, social structures, even individual birds, because some species have unique voices. And recording technologies let us monitor over long periods without being in the field. It’s non-invasive and incredibly powerful.”

Collaboration, she says, is essential for conservation. “Partnerships are where we translate research into action. Sometimes we need more science, but often we know enough to start – we just need the motivation and the money to make it happen.”

Daniella shared her expertise at the Tech Meets Nature Showcase during National Science Week, an event that explored how innovation and conservation intersect. “Technologies like AI, eDNA and bioacoustics all have their benefits,” she says. “But the real game-changer will be combining them in clever ways so we can scale up biodiversity monitoring where it matters.”

Her work has even featured in a David Attenborough documentary – but Daniella says media is about more than awareness. “It brings people together. During the Black Summer fires, we raised thousands of dollars for Glossy Black-Cockatoos through media engagement and community action. That collective effort made a real difference.”

For Daniella, the magic of sound never fades. “Hearing the moment a Glossy fledges – that unique acoustic signature – is incredible,” she says. “Each time we pick it up in a recording feels like a little celebration. One more of their kind joining the population.”

Getting involved in your local science scene

Feeling inspired by these incredible stories? The fun doesn’t stop after National Science Week! Explore ongoing citizen science projects and STEM activities across Queensland to keep that curiosity alive all year round.