Associate Professor Sally Shrapnel

Associate Professor Sally Shrapnel is an internationally recognised theoretical physicist whose research lies at the intersection of quantum physics, artificial intelligence, digital health and philosophy of science. Her work seeks to answer a single overarching question: how can we understand and model causation, from the quantum world to complex healthcare systems?

Originally trained as a medical practitioner, Sally worked clinically for more than twenty years in Australia and the United Kingdom before undertaking a PhD in quantum artificial intelligence at The University of Queensland. This unusual combination of clinical medicine, mathematics and theoretical physics now underpins an interdisciplinary research program that connects fundamental science with real-world applications.

Sally is internationally recognised for pioneering Quantum Causal Modelling, the first mathematical framework for representing and discovering causal relationships between quantum systems. Her work has helped establish quantum causality as an internationally active research field, with contributions spanning quantum foundations, quantum information theory and the philosophy of science. She is also developing new quantum algorithms for machine learning and causal inference, with the aim of enabling future quantum computers to solve problems beyond the reach of classical approaches.

Alongside her fundamental research, Sally leads a program developing Quantum Technologies for Digital Health at the Queensland Digital Health Centre. Working with Queensland Health, IBM Quantum and international collaborators, her group investigates how advances in quantum computing, optimisation and artificial intelligence can improve healthcare delivery, patient flow and clinical decision-making. This research reflects her long-standing commitment to translating fundamental discoveries into technologies that deliver public benefit.

Sally has held senior leadership roles across Australia's quantum ecosystem, including Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), where she helped shape national research strategy, governance and researcher development. She also contributes to international policy, research governance and data stewardship through leadership roles spanning quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and global health.

Her research has been recognised through invited keynote lectures, highly cited publications, international collaborations and leadership of major interdisciplinary research initiatives. She is particularly interested in building intellectual bridges between disciplines and mentoring researchers who combine deep technical expertise with a willingness to tackle important real-world problems.

Beyond research, Sally is passionate about educating the next generation of scientists, engineers and healthcare professionals. She leads the development of AI and digital health education at UQ and is committed to ensuring that emerging technologies are adopted responsibly, ethically and for the public good.