Adelaide Optics Chapter

SA Teachers - the classroom info pack is now available for AOC's 2026 Scientific Photography Competition! 👩🏼‍🏫

Entry is free. And as we saw last year, whether in the arts or natural sciences, the event is flexible to be used as an assignment for a range of topics within the class.

We accept submissions until the 14th of August, followed by a free-to-attend exhibition at the Australian Space Discovery Centre on the 28th of August.

For more information on submitting as a class, or to express interest, email us at [email protected] 📧

What's cutting-edge? Light for a sustainable future.

To celebrate the , we're hosting a free-to-attend public lecture with Prof. Nigel Spooner.

This will take place at the Braggs Lecture Theatre, The Braggs, Adelaide University. 4th of June, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM ACST. 📍

Prof. Nigel Spooner is an internationally recognised scientist and research leader whose work pioneers the use of advanced photonics and fluorescence technologies for material detection and identification. His research has helped establish world-leading capabilities in “Novel Fluorescence”, a new class of light-based sensing technologies capable of identifying minerals and materials through their unique optical signatures.

Prof. Spooner’s research has led to collaborations with industry, Defence, and the Australian Space Agency, with applications ranging from critical mineral sensing and hazardous material detection through to future off-Earth resource exploration.

This lecture will explore how light-based technologies are helping shape a more sustainable future through smarter sensing, resource discovery, and advanced photonics innovation.

Free RSVP via the link:
https://events.humanitix.com/idl-lecture-prof-nigel-spooner

Adelaide University

Hi SA teachers! Save the date for our free-to-enter annual Scientific Photography Competition. 🤳 📸

Would you like to use this for a cross-curricular assignment? You're welcome to. 🤩

Submissions include the photography and a 100-word blurb on what makes the captured science exciting.

Entries close in mid-August, followed by an exhibition in late August. At the exhibition, all entries will be on display, and award winners will get the chance to take the floor to speak about their photography.

The competition is open to all. In the past, the exhibition allowed school students to meet university students, scientists, and professors.

Alongside general awards, targeted awards recognise submissions that: Reflect or uplift indigenous scientific or cultural knowledge, Are from those living in regional & remote communities, Are from junior explorers (12 years old and younger), Are from young scientists (13 to 17 years old), Are from women, girls, and nonbinary participants.

If you'd like us to keep in touch with early information, email us: [email protected]

📸📸

Can you spot our team at the Quantum Australia Conference 2026? 🔍👀

You may have caught us around the booths with the Australian Institute of Physics, Centre of Light for Life, and the ARC Training Centre for Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies. Perhaps you saw us volunteering to assist attendees, running science outreach demonstrations, or in seminars, learning about opportunities.

By being a part of the AOC committee, we get the chance to visit conferences and develop our careers!