Daisy Shearer

Our discussions were so inspiring, and I went away reinvigorated and excited for the year ahead - watch this space for more 😊

It was wonderful to have the space to think, brainstorm and ideate about how we can frame these complex topics in accessible ways that link to the curriculum for a science and discovery centre setting.

Of course, we also had to check out the Quantum Untangled exhibit for inspiration (go and check it out while the exhibition is open!), and it was the perfect setting for lots of blue-sky thinking and planning for some exciting quantum-y projects ⚛️

It's always a pleasure to work with the @sciencecentres.bsky.social and to think about public engagement in the context of science and discovery centres.

Yesterday, I met up with @sophestar.bsky.social, Shaaron Leverment, and James Millen at @scigallerylon.bsky.social to talk all things quantum public engagement!

It's an honour to be part of such an inspiring group of people working across the quantum ecosystem worldwide!

Learn more about the Quantum 100 here: quantum2025.org/quantum-100-...

I'm excited to share that I have been selected as one of the "Quantum 100", part of the UN's International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, in recognition of my work making quantum technologies accessible to diverse audiences.

I'm keen to support more students and researchers to do quantum-specific outreach and public engagement through my work at the NQCC, so watch this space for more on this in 2026!

It's now a December highlight for me to head to Cumberland Lodge for the UCL Quantum Computation and Quantum Communications (QC2) CDT Winter School 🎄

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and Google Quantum AI have announced a new initiative to expand UK researchers’ access to Google’s Willow quantum processor - marking an exciting step forward for the UK’s quantum ecosystem!

Learn more and apply here: www.nqcc.ac.uk/nqcc-and-goo...

A great day on Monday at the Royal Institution, where I was helping out the IOP with their quantum celebration event! I chaired a session and co-led our final wrap-up summary and discussion with the lovely Tushna Commissariat and Sir Peter Knight ⚛️

I've decided to start blogging again 😊

My first post in this new blog, "Back to blogging! Exploring my identity as a science communicator and public engagement professional", can be found here: www.daisyshearer.com/blog/2025/10...

Ready for a busy weekend at the Summer Science Exhibition!

So far, we've had over 5,000 meaningful interactions with the public at The Quantum Zone this week. I'm so thankful to our partners and volunteers whose hard work has really paid off!

Two more days left, and then it's back to the office!

We're now over half way through the Summer Science Exhibition. I can't believe the incredible turnout we've had at 'the quantum zone' both in terms of volunteers and visitors!

Here's to more excellent conversations about quantum this week 🗨️

SPIE Photonics West Special Event Neuro-inclusion in physics

Thanks so much to everyone who came to the session (spie.org/photonics-we...) and for the thoughtful questions and discussion! Please feel free to reach out for advice or resources as I am more than happy to share.

I had quite a few requests to share my slides from my 'neuroinclusion in physics' lunch and learn at SPIE Photonics West, so here they are: static1.squarespace.com/static/5bc20...

⚛️ To do good quantum education and outreach, we need to ensure we're evaluating programmes and projects effectively and producing educational research to inform our practice. This can form the basis for a shared understanding of best practices in this space.

⚛️ We need a diverse quantum workforce and targeted outreach is needed for this as well as grass-routes efforts and showcasing diverse role models.

⚛️ Teachers play a key role in developing the quantum workforce, from K-12 through to undergraduate and graduate level to teaching current professionals the skills they need to pivot into quantum.

⚛️ Technical skills are becoming increasingly important for quantum across the board, e.g. optical and photonics engineering, electrical engineering, nanofabrication, software development, and applied physics.

We covered a lot in the session but the key takeaways for me were:

⚛️ A joined-up approach is key, whether that's across educational levels, quantum roles, or geographically across various national regions.

A conference centre from across a zebra crossing. Skyscrapers can be seen reflected in the building's glass and there are banners saying 'SPIE. PHOTONICS WEST' on a red background displayed.

A large illuminated 'SPIE.' sign. The letters are white with a red full stop at the end.

A powerpoint slide on projected onto a screen saying 'Quantum West: Building a Quantum Workforce' on a red background.

It was a pleasure to sit on the 'Building a Quantum Workforce' panel at Photonics West last week!

Thanks so much to Jess Wade for inviting me and chairing and to Heather Lewandowski, Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Thomas A. Searles and Jacob Douglass for the interesting discussion.

Hi all! I've finally got myself set up on here so I thought I'd do an #introduction

I'm a quantum physicist turned science communicator, writer and educator, currently working at the NQCC on public engagement!

I mostly talk about quantum stuff, public engagement, education and neuroinclusion 😊