Event

TMOS Brings Free “How-to Holograms” Science Workshops to Public Libraries Across Tasmania

TIME:

WHEN: 5 October, 2026

LOCATION: Across Tasmania

TIMEZONE: AEST


The ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) is bringing cutting-edge light science directly to local communities with its free, interactive library tour, “How-to Holograms: Exploring the Science of Light.” Designed for primary and secondary students, this hands-on workshop transforms public libraries across Northern and Southern Tasmania into active science hubs.

Participants will dive into the physics of light—exploring core concepts like reflection, refraction, diffraction, and wave interference. Starting with everyday security holograms found on polymer banknotes and ID cards, future scientists will experiment with real lasers, glass prisms, and diffraction glasses, culminating in the creation of floating 3D optical illusions.

“As light-based technologies reshape healthcare, communications, and quantum computing, inspiring scientific curiosity early is more important than ever,” said a representative from the TMOS Outreach Team. “By partnering with public libraries, we can bring authentic research tools directly to families, giving students a chance to play with light and discover the science shaping their world.”

TMOS brings together researchers from five Australian universities, advancing research in photonics and meta-optics. For the Tasmanian Library Tour, scientists from four TMOS nodes, the Australian National University, RMIT University, the University of Melbourne and the University of Technology Sydney, will share their expertise through a series of hands-on workshops during the first week of the school holidays, 5–9 October.

 

NORTHERN TASMANIA

  • Monday: Launceston Library
  • Tuesday: Devonport Library
  • Wednesday: Ulverstone Library
  • Thursday: Smithton Library (Special afternoon session for primary-aged students)
  • Friday: Burnie Library

SOUTHERN TASMANIA

  • Monday: Kingston Library
  • Tuesday: Glenorchy Library
  • Wednesday: Hobart Library
  • Thursday: Rosny Library

 

Workshop Highlights

  • Free Community STEM Event: Open to children, teens, and families at local libraries.
  • Hands-On Experiments: Play with lasers, light-bending prisms, and DIY spectrometer tools.
  • Real-World Connections: Uncover the hidden optics inside security features and everyday devices.
  • Take-Home Goodies: Every participant receives diffraction glasses to keep exploring optical effects at home.

 

Space is limited. Families are encouraged to reserve a spot through their local library branch.

 

About TMOS Outreach Team

TMOS is committed to sharing the excitement of science beyond the research community. Led by Professor Igor Aharonovich, our outreach program brings researchers and communities together through accessible, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity, make photonics and meta-optics easier to explore, and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Media Contact:

TMOS Outreach Coordinator: Dr Sophia Aharonovich

Email: sophia.aharonovich@uts.edu.au

Website: https://tmos.org.au/outreach/

 

The TMOS outreach team travelling to Tasmania includes:

Thank you, team, for raising your hand up and accepting the challenge!!!

“We are excited to bring the wonder of light and holograms to Tasmanian communities and give students the opportunity to engage directly with researchers,” said TMOS Outreach Coordinator Sophia Aharonovich.

Light, science and holograms are hitting the road – and Tasmania is our next destination! Stay tuned for the updates.

 

 


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