2018 Australian of the Year and Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Quantum Computing, Professor Michelle Simmons AO, has called for a broader understanding of scientific leadership, arguing that transformational breakthroughs are built on deep technical expertise, collaboration, intellectual curiosity and long-term commitment rather than status, hierarchy or personal acclaim.
Speaking at the 2026 John Monash Oration, generously hosted by Commonwealth Bank, Professor Simmons reflected on the qualities required not only to advance the frontiers of science, but also to lead the teams and organisations responsible for turning ambitious ideas into reality.
Drawing inspiration from General Sir John Monash’s legacy as an innovative military leader and strategist, Professor Simmons explored the parallels between leadership on the battlefield and leadership in scientific discovery.
“Results matter more than how clever you look,” Professor Simmons said. “[Scientific leaders] hunger for the timeless goal of making the unimaginable, not for the transient reward of being famous.”
Monash was renowned for meticulous planning and for structuring military operations to achieve clear, attainable objectives. Simmons’ philosophy mirrors that approach: set an ambitious end goal, deliver what you promise, and sustain belief through visible progress. Monash’s motto “feed your troops on victory” resonated strongly with Professor Simmons’ approach to scientific leadership, which emphasises pairing bold long-term ambition with achievable milestones that build confidence, momentum and belief.
Reflecting on her own experience leading Silicon Quantum Computing, Professor Simmons challenged many of the assumptions commonly associated with leadership and scientific success. She emphasised the importance of humility, continuous learning, patience and teamwork, arguing that meaningful breakthroughs are rarely achieved by individuals working alone.
“While you can walk on your own, you can fly with others,” she said.
Addressing Australia’s role in the emerging quantum economy, Professor Simmons expressed confidence that world-leading quantum innovation can be developed and commercialised locally. She revealed plans to establish what she described as the world’s first atomic-scale manufacturing facility in Sydney and reiterated the company’s ambition to build a universal fault-tolerant quantum computer within the next decade.
Looking ahead, Professor Simmons argued that successful scientific leaders must balance bold ambitions with practical delivery.
“Scientific leaders must have a vision, but the vision should be something beyond everyone’s reach but which they can clearly see is feasible,” she said.
Delivering the Scholar Reply, Hugo Rourke (2023 Commonwealth Bank John Monash Scholar) reflected on Professor Simmons’ remarks and discussed the importance of ensuring Australia remains globally competitive in attracting and retaining entrepreneurial and scientific talent. He argued that Australia’s greatest competition for founders and innovators is increasingly the United States and stressed the importance of creating an environment that enables ambitious Australians to build globally significant companies at home.
Chief Executive Officer of the General Sir John Monash Foundation, Ross Youngman, said Professor Simmons’ address was a powerful reminder of the role that scientific leadership, innovation and international engagement will play in Australia’s future prosperity.
“John Monash understood that progress comes from combining expertise, imagination and a willingness to embrace new ideas,” Mr Youngman said.
“Professor Simmons exemplifies those qualities through her commitment to pushing the boundaries of science while building teams and organisations capable of turning discovery into real-world impact. Her address reflects the ambition we seek to foster in John Monash Scholars as they pursue excellence and contribute to Australia’s future.”
Since 2001, the General Sir John Monash Foundation has awarded more than $41 million in scholarships to outstanding Australians undertaking postgraduate study at leading universities around the world. Today, the Foundation’s growing community of Scholars continues to embody Sir John Monash’s enduring values of leadership, service, innovation and nation-building.
Read more from Sydney Morning Herald’s coverage of our oration evening.
