Emerging Technologies – led by Monash Faculty of IT

Rapidly-emerging, quantum computing (QC) has widespread applications and benefits – from protecting online security to solving once ‘unsolvable’ industrial problems across transportation, manufacturing, energy, defence and other sectors. Join this project and help Australia reap its benefits.

The problem

The next IT evolution is undoubtedly quantum, but Australia is unprepared for the transformation –  lacking a skilled workforce, an understanding of the technology and how to apply it to real-world problems.

The goal

This program will tackle hurdles that are roadblocking quantum-safe security technologies and innovative industry applications of quantum computing.

It will deliver novel quantum-safe cryptography technologies to protect online systems from QC attacks, and accelerate the adoption of quantum-enhanced cybersecurity, AI, optimisation and simulation algorithms across Australian industries – aligning with the Digital Economy 2030 strategy.

Outcomes you’ll drive

Specifically, this program will result in practical and cost-effective:

• techniques for implementing and deploying quantum-safe cybersecurity technologies, and applications of near-term quantum computing technology to quantum-safe cybersecurity problems
• quantum computing-assisted optimisation algorithms and their applications in areas such as transportation, supply chain and software reliability
• quantum computing-assisted physical system simulation algorithms and their applications across chemistry and materials engineering
• quantum computing-assisted machine learning and AI algorithms, and their applications spanning transportation and healthcare.

This program will also nurture a pioneering Australian workforce with expertise in quantum computing and IT skills that can be harnessed more widely across multiple disciplines and sectors.

Your study experience

As one of our PhD students, you will be at the heart of delivering program outcomes with access to:

• training bootcamps to teach you the multi-disciplinary common foundations needed in all the sub-programs of cybersecurity, optimisation, physical system simulation and machine learning and AI
• a quantum IT research seminar series featuring leading international experts who will speak about state-of-the-art advancements in the sub-programs
• collaboration workshops and networking events with students, supervisors, associate researchers and industry – allowing you to present your progress while driving discussions and partnerships between sub-programs
• an annual industry workshop attended by organisations, CSIRO and government officials working in related sectors, to promote insight sharing and explore how the program outcomes can be further amplified
• esteemed supervisors from Monash, UNSW and Data61 with extensive experience and success in running cohort-based, multi-disciplinary training initiatives like this program
• the newly formed Data61 Quantum Technology Seminar Series about the latest research in quantum software and algorithms from leading Australian and global specialists.

What you will receive