Events

He Wātaka

If you’re interested in quantum technologies, check out the events being held around the country to celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

Whether you want to encourage your child into physics and chemistry, teach your class more about the building blocks of life or share the developments your researchers are making, this is the place to find or promote what’s happening for all ages. 

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Feb
10

Nobel Prize laureate Moungi Bawendi: From curiosity to technological impact

Quantum dots, one of the first materials to inhabit the realm of nanoscience, have become ubiquitous in displays and other applications. My talk will discuss their origin story as well as their development and applications during a span of almost 4 decades. A story that reflects the importance of curiosity driven science to drive innovation and technological progress.

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Feb
21

Atomic Lego: Using lasers to build, one atom at a time.

Atoms lie at the foundation of everything around us, so what could we build if we could manipulate them like Lego®?

Come to Tūhura for a talk by Professor Mikkel Andersen of Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre at the University of Otago where he will share the inspiration for his work in this area – from Ernest Rutherford’s earliest experiments into atomic structure to key quantum principles required for controlling individual atoms using lasers – as well as explore capabilities he and his team have developed at the University of Otago and the possibilities these developments hold for the future!

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Apr
2
to 5 Apr

ASB Polyfest

What do LASIK, the beginning of the universe, and the world’s smallest tweezers have in common?

They are all connected by the fact that particles of light – called photons – can exert enough force to move matter. Through the study of this phenomenon, scientists have uncovered why comets have tails, developed lasers, detected the shockwaves left over from the Big Bang, and even manipulated single atoms at will – and that’s just the beginning.

Professor Alejandro Fainstein joins us from the Balseiro Institute of Argentina for a special visit to share the fascinating story of this force of light and the surprising applications it has inspired, including his work developing a type of laser that emits sound, instead of light!

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Apr
5
to 6 Apr

Anderson Localisation for the Dunedin Arts Festival

Science, mystery…

Space, time and history…

Who are they?

Who are you?

The Anderson Localisation takes you on a journey into the quantum world where the past, present and future co-exist. 

Using Pickpath, a cutting-edge interactive app, on your phone, you’ll be taken on a unique audio-driven, individual journey into the quantum world and through one of Ōtepoti’s hidden laneways. The Anderson Localisation reveals a hidden realm, and tells a story of how the tiny atomic world can shape our understanding of life.

Created by: Martyn Roberts, David O’Donnell, Hilary Halba, David Hutchinson, Doug Ditford and Amanda Faye Martin.

Participants should wear warm clothing and footwear, and bring an umbrella (just in case – this is Dunedin) as some of the experience takes place outside.

Pickpath can be loaded onto your phone via your app store.

Limited places to 10 per performance so book sooner rather than later.

April 5th and 6th 12pm, 2pm and 4pm daily.

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Jan
13
to 17 Jan

ICAM Week of Science

The ICAM Week of Science 2025 will convene an exceptional group of scientists from across the globe to discuss the emergent frontier of matter and energy, from biological and soft to quantum matter. The meeting will also convene ICAM for its Annual General Meeting. The meeting is being planned as an in-person event in Wellington, New Zealand, with hybrid online participation TBA.  Stay tuned for information on travel support and accommodation options as well as registration details.

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