Professor Paul Thomas and Professor Nicholas Fisk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). In particular, how quantum computing will outstrip binary computing and potentially shift the way we think, especially with the development of artificial intelligence.' 'As an artist I’m interested in the other side of technology. 'When we make art in this way we take scientific research into humanities to create a new discourse,' he said. For Thomas, the process creates an analogy between human thought and quantum computer thinking. The multi-coloured image was based on data captured from high-speed microwave signals affecting a phosphorous electron. Last year his work Quantum Consciousness, a visual/sonic collaboration with quantum physicist Professor Andrea Morello from UNSW Engineering, was reproduced on the March 2016 cover of the journal Nature Nanotechnology. In art, the uncertainty is whether the work is capturing a reality,' said the the UK-born artist, who is Director of the Studio for Transdisciplinary Art Research (STAR) at UNSW.

'Physics and art both work on uncertainty. Thomas originally studied textiles but was drawn to the relationship between art and science and how to communicate the 'invisible' dimension of the quantum phenomena. Ten newly promoted and recruited professors are taking part in this month’s lectures to mark their achievement, extend topics being taught in courses and showcase their specialist knowledge to colleagues, students, alumni, family and the public. Thomas’s visual interpretation of quantum physics and computing was the topic of his lecture 'Uncertainty Art: The space between Art, Science and Humanity' on Tuesday, the fourth by a new professor in the 2017 UNSW Professorial Inaugural Lectures.

Quantum computing and art traditionally exist in separate silos, but for Professor Paul Thomas, the way they intersect is at the centre of his work and research.

On the Flip Side by Nicholas Fisk