About KOALA 2026

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. It will be held at The University of Sydney, for 30th November - 4 December 2026.

KOALA 2026 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, covering all programmed conference activities, as well as accommodation with a light breakfast.