About KOALA

KOALA, a unique, non-profit, “for students, by students” event. The conference began in 2008 to give postgraduates and PhD students in optics, photonics, quantum, and laser applications a platform to present research and network with peers and industry leaders. With around 100 attendees in recent years, KOALA is now the leading student conference in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Returning from Australia to Auckland for the first time in a decade, KOALA 2025 coincides with the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology—making this year’s event especially significant. It will be held at Waipapa Taumata Rau The University of Auckland, for 1-5 December 2025.

KOALA 2025 will feature:

▶ 4 plenary talks from industry and academic leaders

▶ 40+ student talks and 50 poster presentations

▶ An industry engagement night

▶ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and careers panels

To make the conference as accessible as possible, for those that attend and present at KOALA the conference registration is an all-inclusive fee (~$300-400 NZD), covering all programmed conference activities, as well as accommodation with a light breakfast.