Based at the University of Queensland, Dr Sally Shrapnel has transitioned from a practicing physician to a leading Australian quantum physicist, building upon a career begun while simultaneously completing a PhD and working as a general practitioner in Tasmania. Her work culminated in a significant role as deputy director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), which recently concluded its operations after fostering substantial advancements in quantum technology, spawning ten start-ups, and, crucially, cultivating a new generation of female leadership within the historically male-dominated field – a legacy Dr Shrapnel considers paramount. As the UN prepares to designate 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, recognising the pervasive impact of quantum mechanics – from smartphones to medical imaging – Dr Shrapnel’s career exemplifies the growing importance of this field and the opportunities it presents.
Early Life and Medical Training
Dr Shrapnel initially pursued a career in medicine, completing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Queensland in 1995. Her early medical training focused on radiology; however, a placement as a general practitioner in Bothwell, Tasmania, altered her professional trajectory. The practical application of medical knowledge in a regional setting proved compelling, leading her to work as a GP throughout Tasmania.
Despite a developing career in clinical practice, Dr Shrapnel concurrently pursued academic research, ultimately undertaking a PhD exploring the foundational principles of quantum theory. This dual commitment – to both medical practice and theoretical physics – continued for a period, before she transitioned to a full-time research position. The intellectual challenge presented by quantum physics, and its potential for transformative technological advancements, proved a decisive factor in this shift.
The achievements of EQUS demonstrably fostered innovation through commercialisation, resulting in the creation of ten startup companies. These ventures include Iceberg Quantum, which has attracted $2 million in pre-seed funding and established a partnership with the global quantum computing firm PsiQuantum, and Redback Systems. The latter developed a compact and highly accurate light sensor – a spectrometer – now utilised by both researchers and industrial clients worldwide, demonstrating a practical application of the Centre’s research.
The Achievements of EQUS
Beyond its scientific output, EQUS demonstrably fostered innovation through commercialisation, resulting in the creation of ten startup companies. These ventures include Iceberg Quantum, which has attracted $2 million in pre-seed funding and established a partnership with the global quantum computing firm PsiQuantum, and Redback Systems. The latter developed a compact and highly accurate light sensor – a spectrometer – now utilised by both researchers and industrial clients worldwide, demonstrating a practical application of the Centre’s research.
Despite the Centre’s closure in May, Dr Shrapnel and her colleagues characterise this moment not as an ending, but as a transition – “the end of the beginning”. A particularly significant aspect of EQUS’s legacy is its success in cultivating a new generation of female leadership within the quantum science community. Addressing a historical imbalance, the Centre actively recruited talented women from across the globe, providing them with the resources and support necessary to excel in the field and drive future innovation in quantum technology. This initiative is viewed by Dr Shrapnel as potentially the most impactful outcome of EQUS’s work.
Australia’s Position in Quantum Science
Australia’s contribution to quantum science is characterised by focused research and a high impact relative to its size. Dr Shrapnel describes the nation as a “quiet achiever” in the field, consistently “punching above its weight”. This is evidenced by the outcomes of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), which established a world-first focused research program on systems engineering in the quantum regime.
The success of EQUS extends beyond academic publications; it has demonstrably translated research into practical applications and commercial ventures. The ten startups originating from the Centre demonstrate a commitment to innovation and the development of quantum technology. These companies are actively contributing to the growing quantum ecosystem, both domestically and internationally.
Furthermore, EQUS prioritised the development of a diverse and inclusive research environment, specifically addressing the historical under-representation of women in physics. This initiative has created a strong cohort of female leaders poised to drive future advancements in quantum technology and contribute to Australia’s continued success in the field.
Fostering Female Leadership
EQUS actively addressed the historical under-representation of women in physics, fostering a pipeline of talent poised to lead future advancements. This commitment wasn’t simply about increasing diversity numbers; it was a strategic investment in expanding the breadth of perspectives and expertise within the field. Dr Shrapnel highlights this initiative as potentially the most impactful outcome of the Centre’s work, establishing a cohort of female leaders equipped to drive innovation in quantum technology.
This focus on cultivating female leadership is particularly significant given the growing global importance of quantum science and the need for a diverse workforce to address the complex challenges and opportunities it presents. By proactively attracting and supporting talented women from around the world, EQUS has not only addressed a historical imbalance but also positioned Australia to benefit from a wider range of skills and perspectives in this critical field. The Centre’s success in this area serves as a model for other institutions seeking to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields and ensure a more equitable future for quantum technology.
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