Peter Turner
Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA)
Peter Turner joined Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) as its inaugural CEO in 2020, and holds a Professorship in Mathematical and Physical Sciences at Macquarie University. SQA is a unique partnership of four leading Sydney universities (Macquarie, U New South Wales, U Sydney and U Technology Sydney), supported by the state government. Our vision is a quantum-ready Australia. Over the past five years, SQA has played an instrumental role in raising awareness of quantum technologies and helping to increase and diversify the talent pipeline in Australia, with an operating budget of over AU$30 million for scholarships, events and engagement. This includes being a driving force in the recent creation of the Australian Centre for Quantum Growth.
Prof Turner has been active in the quantum field for over 20 years with an extensive track record, having held prior positions in the UK, Japan and Canada. In 2014 he established arguably the world’s first program aimed specifically at preparing graduates for the quantum technology industry during his time as Director of the Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Bristol.
Abstract:
The Sydney Quantum Academy
Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) is a unique partnership between four world-leading universities – Macquarie, UNSW, USydney and UTS, as well as the New South Wales state Government. Our vision is a quantum-ready Australia. Collaborating with academia, industry and government, we harness Sydney’s collective quantum expertise to develop diverse talent and a globally recognised quantum ecosystem. We have over 100 quantum experts in our network, representing one of the world’s largest concentrations of quantum talent.
A highly skilled, multidisciplinary workforce is needed to advance the field and power the future quantum economy. It is conservatively estimated the sector will generate over 16,000 jobs in Australia by 2040. Our flagship SQA PhD Experience Program provides students with access to coursework across all four partner universities — alongside our undergraduate and outreach activities, we’ve supported well over 200 fellows, PhD and UG students over the past five years. Students also benefit from transferable skills training, workshops and seminars designed to create career-ready graduates, supporting the next generation of quantum leaders, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.