Over 100 Students and Parents Attend AIP/IPAS Physics Careers Night

On September 24, more than 100 students and parents joined the Physics Careers Night, organised by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) in partnership with the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) and supported by Quantum Australia. Now in its fourth year, the event continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of physicists and STEM professionals.

The evening featured talks from academics and industry professionals who shared their career journeys in fields ranging from academia, defence, and health to meteorology, quantum technologies, and industry. Attendees learned what motivated the speakers to pursue physics and what they enjoy most about their work. After the presentations, students had the opportunity to network with the presenters over pizza, ask questions, and gain insight into potential career paths.

A special thanks to our presenters, including Sam Tuttle from Adelaide University, Giuseppina Dall'Armi-Stoks from the Defence Science and Technology Group, Scott Penfold from SAHMRI, Ben Owen from the Bureau of Meteorology, Michael James Polymiadis and James O’Connell from Shoal Group Pty Ltd, and Martin White from the University of Adelaide.

The event was led by Thomas Chambers, who reflected, “I find it deeply rewarding to be organising events such as this one where we aim to raise awareness for students about the exciting career pathways that physics and STEM can enable. We are now into our fourth year of running this event and the attendance numbers just keep on growing!”

Thanks also to the volunteers, including Sarah Scholten, Chris Perrella, Stephen Warren-Smith, Ben Sparkes, and Darryl Jones, whose support was essential to making the evening a success.

The Physics Careers Night highlights the breadth of opportunities available through physics and STEM, and the impact engaging events like this can have in inspiring young people to explore these fields.