Inspiring Future Scientists: A Successful Careers Night at IPAS

On the 25th of September, the Australian Institute of Physics and the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) hosted a vibrant Careers Night, attracting over 100 students and parents eager to explore the world of physics and STEM. Now in its third year, this annual event continues to grow, highlighting the increasing interest in physics studies among high school students.

Attendees enjoyed insightful presentations from a diverse lineup of speakers who shared their journeys into physics careers, discussing their educational paths and the various opportunities available in the field. The networking session that followed allowed students to engage directly with professionals, asking questions about their roles, the physics they apply in their work, and the steps they took to get there.

Special recognition goes to Thomas Chambers, who played a pivotal role in organising the event. A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed speakers, including Andrew MacKinnon from the University of Adelaide, Olivia Samardzic from the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Joshua Pease, PhD from CSIRO, Sabrina Einecke from the University of Adelaide, Sean Manning from Ziltek, Tom Verco from Fleet Space Technologies, Glenn Solomon from the University of Adelaide. These dedicated professionals volunteered their time to inspire the next generation of physicists and STEM leaders. 

Additionally, a big thank you to the volunteers who facilitated the evening, including Dr Stephen Warren-Smith, Dr Sarah Scholten, Dr Chris Perrella and Laurence Campbell. Together, we are fostering a community that encourages young minds to pursue studies in physics and STEM, paving the way for a brighter future!