Professor Lloyd Hollenberg FAA will headline the 2025 Lloyd Rees Lecture on 6 November at CSIRO’s Ian Wark Lecture Theatre in Clayton, Victoria, delivering a talk that promises to cut through the hype and offer a grounded, informed view of quantum computing. The event, hosted by the Australian Academy of Science, is free of charge but requires registration, and it is expected to draw scientists, students, and industry leaders eager to understand how quantum technology is reshaping the scientific and commercial landscape.
The lecture, titled Quantum Computers Approaching Fast, will run from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm AEDT, followed by afternoon tea. Organizers emphasize that while the field has been a subject of speculation for decades, today’s developments signal a clear shift from theory to practice. Cloud-based access to programmable quantum computers, advancements in quantum algorithms, and expanding software frameworks mean the technology is no longer confined to physics labs. Hollenberg will explore what quantum computers are, what they can realistically do, and where they might take industries from chemistry to finance in the coming decade.
A Personal Journey into Quantum Innovation
Hollenberg’s credentials set him apart as a leader capable of bridging the gap between research breakthroughs and real-world application. He earned his PhD in theoretical particle physics at the University of Melbourne in 1989, followed by a JSPS Fellowship at Japan’s KEK accelerator laboratory. His early career in lattice gauge theory and mathematical physics laid the foundation for a pivot into quantum computing—an area where he has since become one of Australia’s most prominent voices.
Since 2001, he has been central to advancing the vision of silicon-based quantum computers, contributing critical insights into device physics, error correction, and scalability. His work crosses theory and practice, moving seamlessly between high-level quantum mechanics and applied technologies.
Under his Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship (2013–2018), Hollenberg pioneered quantum sensing and imaging technologies capable of detecting phenomena at the interface of biology and nanoscience. Such work has implications for medical diagnostics, materials research, and energy systems. With over 250 peer-reviewed papers in leading journals including Nature Physics, Science, and Nature Nanotechnology, his contributions have placed him in the top tier of quantum researchers worldwide. Between 2001 and 2010, Thomson Reuters ranked him 6th globally in terms of quantum computing output.
Why This Lecture Matters
For business leaders, scientists, and policymakers, the 2025 Lloyd Rees Lecture offers an opportunity to gain clarity in a field often clouded by speculation. Quantum computers are sometimes described in almost mythical terms—machines that can break today’s encryption, revolutionize drug discovery, or outperform supercomputers in every respect. Yet the reality is more complex.
Hollenberg plans to unpack both the promise and the limitations of current devices. Superconducting circuits and trapped-atom platforms are available via cloud services, enabling researchers and even commercial firms to experiment with quantum computing today. But scaling these systems to handle industrial-level problems remains a challenge. His lecture will cover where the technology is now, what specific problems it can solve, and how organizations should prepare to integrate quantum tools into their future strategies.
The topics will not be confined to physics. Applications in chemistry, material science, bioinformatics, finance, and artificial intelligence are expected to be part of the discussion. By grounding his talk in practical use cases, Hollenberg will provide audiences with actionable insights rather than abstract speculation.
The Lloyd Rees Lecture: Honoring a Legacy
The Lloyd Rees Lecture series was established in 1990 following a proposal by Sir Alan Walsh FAA. It honors Dr. A. L. G. Rees FAA, a scientist whose contributions to chemical physics impacted both academia and industry. Each lecture invites a distinguished researcher to present work that continues the tradition of combining deep scientific inquiry with relevance to society and the economy.
Over the years, the series has become a platform for bringing leading-edge science to broader audiences. The 2025 lecture continues this mission, showcasing how a rapidly evolving field like quantum technology can be made accessible and relevant to decision-makers, educators, and the public.
Quantum Computing: From Theory to Application
Quantum computing differs from classical computing in that it uses quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once due to the principles of superposition and entanglement. This allows for parallelism and correlations that classical systems cannot achieve. While the promise is clear, building machines that can operate reliably and at scale remains one of the greatest engineering challenges of the 21st century.
Recent years have seen a surge in progress. Major technology companies, including IBM, Google, and Microsoft, have launched platforms for cloud-based quantum access. Startups are experimenting with specialized quantum processors, while academic institutions continue to refine error correction methods essential for stability.
Hollenberg’s talk will place these developments in context, distinguishing what is possible today from what might take decades to achieve. For industries considering investments, such insights are critical. In finance, for example, quantum algorithms could improve risk modeling. In chemistry, they may accelerate the design of new molecules for pharmaceuticals or materials. But not every problem benefits from quantum approaches, and identifying the right fit is key.
Why Professionals Should Pay Attention
Quantum computing is no longer an abstract concept for physicists alone. The next five to ten years may determine how quickly industries adapt and how nations position themselves in the race for quantum leadership. Australia has invested heavily in this field, recognizing that local expertise can translate into economic opportunity and global influence.
For professionals in sectors like finance, biotech, and energy, understanding the trajectory of quantum computing will help in long-term planning. While it may be premature for most organizations to replace existing systems, preparing teams to evaluate opportunities, partnerships, and training initiatives is prudent. Hollenberg’s lecture will provide guidance on separating marketing promises from research realities.
Event Details and Registration
- Date: Thursday 6 November 2025
- Time: 2.30 pm–4.30 pm AEDT (Lecture: 2.30 pm, Afternoon tea: 3.30 pm)
- Venue: Ian Wark Lecture Theatre, CSIRO, Research Way, Clayton, VIC
- Cost: Free of charge
- Registration: Required. Interested participants should register via the Australian Academy of Science event page. CSIRO staff will follow up closer to the event to finalize access and provide venue details.
For queries, attendees can contact phannaford@swin.edu.au or call (03) 9214 5164. Spaces are expected to fill quickly given the growing interest in quantum computing.
Looking Ahead
As quantum computers edge closer to mainstream use, understanding both their potential and their limits becomes crucial. Events like the Lloyd Rees Lecture play an essential role in bridging the gap between scientific research and broader societal impact. By drawing from his extensive career, Professor Hollenberg is uniquely positioned to provide audiences with a balanced view—one that inspires, informs, and prepares.
The message is clear: quantum computers are approaching fast. But their arrival is not a single moment; it is a process, one unfolding now in laboratories, startups, and multinational corporations alike. On 6 November, attendees in Clayton will have the chance to step inside that process and see where it might lead next.
