This week, RMIT Centre for Applied Quantum Technologies (RAQT) was launched by the University.
RAQT is led by Professor Jared Cole and will bring together key researchers in both the School of Science and Engineering to focus on quantum breakthroughs.
It will address priority areas in the School of Science (Quantum Science and Technology), School of Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing) and across STEM College at RMIT (Quantum Materials).
With a strong focus on the application of this research, the Centre will facilitate and support RMIT researchers to develop commercial partnerships and take part in large-scale initiatives nationally and internationally in quantum technology.
Cole said he was excited about what the Centre could accomplish, particularly in collaboration with industry.
"RAQT will cement RMIT as the partner of choice in Australia for applied research in quantum technology," he said.
"It will be the front door for industry to collaborate with us for theoretical and applied research and help drive innovation right across Australia as we develop 21st century technology."
Mark Sanderson, Dean Research and Innovation in STEM College at RMIT, said it was fitting to launch the centre in a milestone year for quantum mechanics.
2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), recognising 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.
"There are few more important fields than quantum as the technological era takes shape," he said.
"With the launch of this centre, we can expect RMIT to be at the front and centre of many more technological developments in this space."
Sanderson said it was RAQT's strength in applied research that led the Centre to be selected as one of the inaugural Leading Research Centres (LRCs) last year.
The LRC initiative is a mechanism designed to identify, support, and grow research areas of strategic priority to the STEM College and to RMIT.
"RAQT is an example of the benefits of the approach we took to establishing the LRCs," Sanderson said.
"The Centre is a vital pillar in the success of the College's vision for STEM research and RMIT's strategy to 2031, Knowledge with Action."
"RAQT's research areas of focus address identified issues of global importance, and concerns at local, national and international levels."
Progress in the technological era
Members of RAQT have already been involved in many society-shaping discoveries at RMIT.
Last month, RAQT members were exhibiting a portable quantum magnetic microscope at the Quantum Australia Conference in Brisbane.
The microscope is compact and capable of a high-resolution that can image magnetic fields.
This system allows for high spatial resolution imaging of magnetic material and current carrying circuits to be perform in-situ, rather than requiring transport to a high-tech facility.
The small footprint and low energy requirement make it ideal to transport or be integrated into an already busy workspace.
In 2020, RMIT researchers developed a next generation wound dressing that can detect infection and improve healing in burns, skin grafts and chronic wounds.
These smart wound dressings made of silk and nanodiamonds effectively sensed wound temperature, an early sign of infection, promoted healing and reduced infection from certain bacteria.
The project has developed over time and is now moving towards clinical applications in medical settings.
