Named Australian of the Year in January 2018 for her work and dedication to quantum information science, Simmons is an Australian quantum physicist recognized for her foundational contributions to the field of atomic electronics.
She became founding director of the Australian Research Council's Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology, and became Scientia Professor of Quantum Physics in the Faculty of Science at the University of New South Wales. In June 2019, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours, in recognition of her distinguished service to science education as a leader in quantum and atomic electronics and as a role model. She was also twice awarded an Australian Research Council Federation Fellowship, and held an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship.
