Podcast: Quantum Unpacked (Part 2)
Quantum Unpacked: Careers, Cybersecurity and Australia’s Quantum Future with Dr Cathy Foley
Australia is betting big on quantum - not just as a science project, but as a pillar of our future economy, security and jobs. In this episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked, host Lucy Lin sits down with Dr Cathy Foley, Australia’s former Chief Scientist, and pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to turn quantum from lab curiosity into a working industry.
From Lab Breakthroughs to Real World Impact
Quantum technology doesn’t automatically leap from world class research to world class products. Cathy is frank about the “valley of death” between university labs and commercial success, especially for complex hardware.
“We need to work out how to deliver on this transition from the lab to your own invested fabrication line… that’s one of the challenges we haven’t nailed yet in Australia,” she explains.
Australia has outstanding research infrastructure like the Australian National Fabrication Facility, but Cathy notes that bridging the gap between prototype and scalable manufacturing still requires new models, investment and coordination.
Building a Quantum Ecosystem, Not Just a Device
One of Cathy’s strongest messages is that quantum isn’t a single invention – it’s an ecosystem.
“You have to invest in a whole ecosystem… from the science talent and expertise to the investment dollars, the policies and the funding,” she says.
She points to emerging deep tech precincts – like the new Bradfield City near Western Sydney Airport – where universities, housing, advanced manufacturing facilities and packaging plants are being designed side by side to support next generation technologies. This is where state and federal governments, universities and industry need to align, rather than operate in silos.
“What we are seeing is support from different governments coming in and building up that ecosystem,” Cathy notes, while warning that coordination and momentum are critical if Australia is to stay competitive globally.
Quantum Is Already Here – And So Are the Risks
For many people, quantum still sounds like distant science fiction. Cathy is clear that this is no longer the case.
“Quantum technology is available now… particularly in the sensing area, in quantum encryption and the ability to have post quantum support so that your data is safe,” she says.
At the same time, she doesn’t sugar coat the security implications. Algorithms like Shor’s could, in time, break today’s widely used encryption schemes. That’s driving a global shift to “post quantum” cryptography and a growing recognition of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, where sensitive data is stolen today in anticipation of future decryption capabilities.
“This is a real risk,” Cathy warns. “You are seeing data being stolen now with the idea that it can be decrypted later… it could have a big impact on national security.”
Governments and regulators are already responding, with guidance and requirements for organisations to become “quantum ready”. Much of this transition will be invisible to everyday users – happening through patches and upgrades – but for critical infrastructure, procurement decisions being made now must factor in a 10 year quantum horizon.
Quantum Ready Skills and Surprising Careers
One of the most exciting – and misunderstood – aspects of quantum is the breadth of careers it touches. You don’t have to be a theoretical physicist to play a role.
“You don’t need to be a quantum mechanic in most cases,” Cathy says. “The skills needed are no different to most other tech requirements and businesses.”
She highlights:
• Engineering skills, from cryogenics and electrical engineering to test and measurement and circuit design
• Software and algorithm development, including quantum algorithms and applications engineering
• Human-centred design, communication and storytelling to make quantum usable and relatable
Some of the most in demand skills are also the least expected.
“For me, probably vacuum engineering,” Cathy laughs. “People who can build vacuum systems that don’t leak and put down films in the way you want – that’s really tricky.”
She also points to cryogenics and materials fabrication (like growing and preparing crystals) as areas where skills have been lost and now need to be rebuilt to support quantum hardware.
The good news? New pathways are opening across universities, online courses and industry programs that help people reskill and “be quantum ready” at many stages of their career.
Diversity, Care and the Reality of STEM Careers
Beyond technology, Cathy is a long-time advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM – and she’s candid about how far we’ve come and how far we still must go.
“The physics community in Australia has been very supportive of women,” she notes, pointing to areas like astronomy where women now make up around half the field. Quantum, by contrast, still has a long way to go.
Practical barriers remain, especially for people in their twenties and thirties juggling insecure early career roles, caring responsibilities and the long road of research.
“We haven’t got the system set up,” Cathy says. “We could do it differently… but it does mean using our funds in different ways, and that’s always difficult to transition to.”
She’s proud that, unlike some parts of the world, Australia is largely rejecting the backlash against diversity.
“I’m really proud that Australia has not gone the way of saying diversity and inclusion is ‘woke’,” she says. “What we’re saying is, this is part of our DNA as a country.”
Feedback, Failure and Playing the Long Game
Some of the most powerful moments in this episode are not about quantum at all, but about how to build a meaningful, resilient career.
Cathy is open about early disappointments – like missing out on a promotion she was sure she would get – and how long it took her to move from blame to growth.
“I whinged about that for about six months,” she admits. “I was blaming everyone… instead of saying, ‘What can I learn from this?’”
A colleague’s honest feedback – that she needed an international reputation for the role – helped her reframe the setback and take concrete steps to close the gap.
“The hardest lesson to learn was to rise above it and not blame someone… but use it as a chance to reflect and say, ‘What can I learn from this?’,” she explains.
Now, she treats difficult feedback as a gift, not a threat:
“Put downs are a gift as opposed to a disappointment… you learn the most when things don’t go your way because that’s when you have to open your mind.”
Her advice:
• Play the long game. Careers are built over many snapshots, not single decisions.
• Allow yourself to feel it – briefly. “Give yourself 24 hours to wallow in your pity juices,” she jokes, before urging people to step out quickly and re strategise.
• Shift from “me” to “impact”. She noticed that her own career accelerated when she stopped focusing on titles and instead asked how she could use her privilege to make things better for others.
“It’s about what you do, not the reward you get for it,” she reflects.
Why Quantum – and Why Now?
So why should the broader science community, policymakers and the public care so much about quantum? Cathy’s answer is clear: because it’s a foundational capability that will amplify many other fields.
“The health and medical area will have a huge impact, environmental sciences, climate change modelling – all those things are going to be improved because of what this new technology has to offer,” she says.
For Australia, quantum is also a rare example of long term, coordinated investment in a research area where we have genuine global strength. Turning that advantage into enduring industry, jobs and societal benefit is the next great challenge.
And for individuals – from engineers and coders to communicators and policymakers – the invitation is open. You don’t have to understand every equation to have a role in this story. As Cathy puts it, what matters is being curious, prepared to learn, and willing to contribute to something bigger than yourself.
A Special Two Part Quantum Conversation
This has been a special two part conversation with the incredible Dr Cathy Foley — make sure you listen to both Part 1 and Part 2 to get the full story on quantum’s past, present and future.
If you’re curious about how quantum will shape jobs, cybersecurity and Australia’s tech future — and you want to hear it explained clearly by one of the country’s most respected science leaders — hit play on this episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube, and don’t forget to subscribe and share it with someone who should be part of the quantum conversation.
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