"The more you delve into it, the more interesting it becomes." Christiane Koch, professor of theoretical physics at Freie Universität Berlin
Prof. Christiane Koch studied at Humboldt University in Berlin and the University of Texas at Austin. After earning her doctorate at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin, she spent several years conducting research in France and Israel. Following almost ten years as a professor of theoretical physics in Kassel, she began researching and teaching at Freie Universität Berlin in October 2019. Currently, Koch leads a research group on quantum dynamics and quantum control.
During ECAMP15 in Innsbruck, we had the opportunity to speak with her about her current research, her path into physics, and the role of gender in academia. We would like to thank her for taking the time to participate in the interview and for sharing her perspective with atom*innen.
Could you provide us with a brief overview of your current research and your background?
Traditionally, my group has been divided into two areas: one focused on atomic and molecular physics and the other on quantum information. However, in recent years, these areas have increasingly converged. Molecules have become more relevant as carriers of quantum information, and we now work with a variety of platforms, including atoms, molecules and superconducting qubits. The methods we use tie the group together. I actively encourage collaboration while allowing each person to focus on their own topic. It's important to strike a balance. People should be able to work together without competing with each other within the working group.
My own academic path has been somewhat winding. I wrote my diploma thesis on Quantum Chaos and completed my PhD in Theoretical physics with a thesis in surface science. At the time, experiments were ten years ahead of theory, which I found frustrating. Moreover, the systems were so complex that one needs to use statistical and mixed quantum-classical descriptions but I was much more interested in quantum phenomena. This led me to cold molecules and, subsequently, to my current work involving cold collisions, chiral molecules, quantum control and quantum information.
Have you always wanted to be a physicist?
Not at all! If that had been possible, I would have dropped physics at school. But I grew up in former East Germany, where subjects weren't optional. It wasn't until the 11th grade, when we covered optics and quantum mechanics, that I found physics even remotely interesting. Before that, I thought it was terribly boring. I always liked math and chemistry much more, and also languages.
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, I was unsure what to study. Suddenly, everything seemed possible. I spent a year at the Leibniz Kolleg in Tübingen, which offered a general studies programme, enabling me to explore a variety of subjects. It was there that I began to take a serious interest in physics. I still thought it was a subject for geniuses only – and I certainly didn’t see myself that way. However, I had a mentor there who encouraged me: 'If you’re interested and motivated, you should go for it.' Nevertheless, I didn’t buy a textbook in my first year at university because I didn’t think I would succeed. It was only after passing a few exams that I started to believe that maybe I could stick with physics. I had even considered switching to math. So, yes, it took a lot of detours to get here.
What do you like most about your work?
There are always new challenges. When studying physics, above all you learn to simplify problems in order to solve them. This is a skill that can be learned in other subjects as well of course, but I think it is particularly important in physics. At the same time, there are always new and exciting questions. I continue to learn together with my doctoral students. Throughout my scientific career, I have worked on many different topics, at times I feel like I have too many different interests. But at the same time, that's what makes it so exciting!
Have there been any moments in your career so far that you would consider to be groundbreaking?
Not really! I'm someone who is always full of doubt. For me, the most exciting project is usually the one we've just finished. I actually find it hard to predict which of my own papers will resonate with others – I can often tell with other people's work, but not with my own.
Let’s talk about gender. Have you experienced moments when being a woman affected your academic journey?
Of course! I once had a physics teacher at school who said, “Girls don't get top marks in physics.” He ended up giving me an A, but I still remember that comment. I also grew up with the idea that physicists are geniuses who are usually male. Having said that, I think I am fortunate to belong to a generation that has already begun to see a change in perspective. While men supported the idea of women being promoted, they weren't always comfortable with women as equals. I realized very early on that women occupy a prominent position in physics simply because there are so few of them. You stand out more than men do, and you have to learn to deal with that. It's challenging, but also an opportunity to gain an advantage.
Unfortunately, I have experienced harassment at a conference first-hand.
A few years ago, the issue of gender became relevant in a completely different way. At some point in your career, you have to ask yourself: Will I make it to the front row, or will I get stuck somewhere in the middle? At this stage, qualifications and performance may not be enough, but networks become crucial. It is well-known that men actively promote each other within their male-only networks.
Is that what led you to co-author the Women for 4 Quantum - Manifesto of Values?
Exactly! While at a summer school, two of my colleagues and I were venting our frustrations. One of them said, “We can't just whine here. We have to do something!” Our networks may be smaller and have fewer resources than existing male networks, but they are still important. We organized a workshop, which led to the idea of creating a manifesto to define our shared values and goals. As we are not a formal organization, our work relies on individuals and small groups taking the initiative.
What kind of reaction did the manifesto provoke?
Personally, I have received very little direct feedback, which was quite surprising. Since publishing the manifesto, I have included the Women for Quantum logo on my presentation slides, but hardly anyone has commented on it. However, on one occasion, a young male postdoc approached me to ask how he could support the network despite not being a professor. That was great. I know that other colleagues have received more feedback, both positive and negative. Overall, the initiative has certainly had an impact.
How can universities and institutions improve their support for women in science?
Many positive changes are already happening, partly due to a broader societal shift. However, in my opinion, we need more structural change. We need more predictable career paths that can be combined with family life. The biggest drop-off for women occurs after the PhD or postdoctoral phase, when they feel they must choose between a career in science and having a personal life. Furthermore, we need equal access to resources. In Germany, for example, there are certain rules requiring gender-balanced committees, regardless of the actual percentage of women in the field. This results in women doing a disproportionate amount of administrative work, such as committee service and panel duties, which then takes time away from their research. So, rather than introducing more symbolic EDI policies, we need to provide better support in areas where real influence and resources lie.
Finally, what advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in physics?
If you're interested, I'd say the more you delve into it, the more interesting it becomes. You have incredible freedom because academia offers much more scope for self-expression than other fields. However, you do pay a price for that. Once you've completed your doctorate, you'll already have got the first really tough period behind you. If you continue, you might have to get through at least one or two more such tough periods. So, you have to be prepared to persevere. But at the same time, you can look forward to working in an incredibly inspiring and fulfilling field of research.
Chrstiane Koch on ORCIDChrstiane Koch on ORCID
Author: Karoline Irschara
published on 2025-08-11