Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons AO FRS DistFRSN FAA FTSE of UNSW Sydney, a pioneer in atomic electronics and a global leader in quantum computing, has been named the ABC’s Boyer Lecturer for 2023. This year’s series of four Boyer Lectures is titled ‘The Atomic Revolution’ and will cover 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.

The series is broadcast on ABC Radio National commencing at 9.30 am on 22 October 2023 and will be available on ABC Online.

The Boyer Lectures, which were initiated in 1959, is a series of talks delivered by prominent Australians presenting on major social, scientific, or cultural issues. They are modelled on the BBC’s Reith Lectures and are named in honour of the later Sir Richard Boyer, a former chair of the ABC Board, who led to their instigation.

The Council of the Society extends its sincere congratulations to Michelle Simmons on this recognition.