THE next big thing in computers will be very small. And Michelle Simmons is leading the way.

The Sydney physicist is pioneering the development of quantum computers - super-fast, super-powerful devices that will use the weird quantum properties of atoms to carry out calculations billions of times faster than today's computers.

Pioneer ... Professor Michelle Simmons and her team are developing computers which will perform many calculations simultaneously. Credit:Anthony Johnson

Her team at the University of NSW has already built the world's smallest transistor, by carefully placing seven atoms of phosphorus into a single crystal of silicon.

Last night she was named NSW Scientist of the Year for her achievements, at a ceremony at Government House.