On a shimmering night for science, Australia’s brilliant minds were spotlighted with Professor Michelle Simmons clinching the prestigious Prime Minister’s Prize for Science.

Simmons, a past Australian of the Year, first spoke with Deborah earlier this year when she demystified the nuances of quantum realms, stirred by the buzz around the latest Ant-Man movie, “Quantum Mania”. Now she has been honoured with the top prize in the country for her work on the transformative potential of quantum computing.

The Professor discussed how quantum computing can encode information exponentially faster than today’s machines, which could help solve big problems quickly. From medicine to making better fertilizers, the possibilities are endless.

She also shared her passion for keeping smart minds in Australia to continue leading in quantum tech.

Hear more highlights from Afternoons with Deborah Knight below: