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<\/p>\nOne of the world\u2019s top scientists, Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons has pioneered research that could lead to a quantum leap in computing and reshape the way we live and how we experience the world \u2013 her work is helping develop leading technology on a global scale, right here in Australia.<\/p>\n
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Since arriving in Australia from Britain in 1999, Michelle has transformed the University of NSW quantum physics department into a world leader in advanced computer systems.<\/p>\n
In 2012, Michelle and her team created the world\u2019s first transistor made from a single atom, along with the world\u2019s thinnest wire. The breakthrough means Australia is now at the forefront of what Michelle calls the \u201cspace race of the computing era\u201d. <\/p>\n
Michelle\u2019s aim is to build a quantum computer able to solve problems in minutes which would otherwise take thousands of years. Such a discovery has the potential to revolutionise drug design, weather forecasting, self-driving vehicles, artificial intelligence and much more.<\/p>\n
Michelle is an evangelist for Australian scientific research and a role model to young scientists everywhere. The 50 year old actively encourages all students \u2013 girls and boys \u2013 to dream big, challenge themselves and to achieve ambitious goals in science. Through her work she is naturally an inspiration for young women and a strong supporter of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.<\/p>\n
ALL AWARDS:<\/p>\n
2018 Australian of the Year \u2013 Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons (NSW)<\/strong><\/p>\n 2018 Australia\u2019s Local Hero \u2013 Eddie Woo (NSW)<\/strong><\/p>\n 2018 Senior Australian of the Year \u2013 Dr Graham Farquhar AO (ACT)<\/strong><\/p>\n 2018 Young Australian of the Year \u2013 Samantha Kerr (WA)<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The 2018 Australian of the Year is professor in quantum physics Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons. One of the world\u2019s top scientists, Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons has pioneered research that could lead to a quantum leap in computing and reshape the way we live and how we experience the world \u2013 her work is helping develop […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":7036,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[144],"tags":[],"geo_market":[],"class_list":["post-12713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n