From laser-cooled atoms to coral cells: Prof. Síle Nic Chormaic shows how physics connects different fields and explains why inclusion is key for innovation.
Síle Nic Chormaic is an atomic and laser physicist who has led the Light-Matter Interactions for Quantum Technologies Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology since 2011.
She studied experimental and mathematical physics at Maynooth University in Ireland and earned her PhD from Université Sorbonne Paris-Nord for her work on Stern-Gerlach Atom Interferometry of Hydrogen. Following postdoctoral research in Innsbruck and Melbourne, she joined the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, where she worked on developing a cold Rb fountain for tests of the equivalence principle. In 2000, she returned to Ireland to establish her own research group at Cork Institute of Technology, from 2003 this was co-located at Tyndall National Institute.
Alongside her work in fundamental physics, she develops optical tools with applications in fields such as neuroimaging and environmental monitoring. Furthermore, she is committed to supporting and empowering students from all backgrounds.
Dear Prof. Síle Nic Chormaic, thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us! Could you tell us how you first became interested in science? Have you always been interested in physics?
I have always been interested in languages, as well as mathematics. Since I thought I could pursue languages without a formal education, I first decided to study mathematics. At the beginning, I started with mathematics and physics. At some point, the experimental physicists convinced me that I would have better career opportunities in experimental physics than in mathematics. I was in Ireland at the time and received funding to spend the undergraduate summer in London, which I found really exciting. That was when I gave up mathematics and decided to continue with experimental physics.
What is the focus of your current work at OIST?
I feel fortunate to work at an institution without rigid departmental boundaries, as this gives me great freedom in the research I pursue. I was trained in atomic physics and now conduct experiments with Rydberg atoms. However, I also work on projects that intersect with environmental science and biology. For instance, I have studied the distribution of nanoplastics in marine life around Okinawa, performed neural imaging in mice and developed methods to trap individual coral cells in order to study their response to different wavelengths of light – a subject connected to coral bleaching. It's exciting to see how precise tools from physics, such as laser trapping, can be used to explore completely different fields. Collaborating with biologists and neuroscientists provides interesting interdisciplinary insights, it’s great.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy the combination of research, teaching and outreach. Alongside my conventional research, I am committed to creating academic opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. For instance, I have run a program in Afghanistan in which my students teach women Python online. Over the years, I have helped launch various programs supporting students from war-torn regions. Currently, I am running an internship program for displaced Ukrainian and Russian students. So far, we have brought thirty students to Okinawa.
It is important to provide them with an opportunity to escape their current situation and offer them a safe environment in which to continue their education. These initiatives are deeply meaningful to me as I believe that empowering young scientists can have a lasting impact. However, getting money for something like this is challenging. Fortunately, I have received both internal and external funding, including generous donations, which have enabled us to continue and expand this work.
How would you describe the gender balance at your workplace in physics?
Japan is one of the countries with the lowest gender balance in STEM. Cultural expectations surrounding marriage and employment continue to influence the choices of young women. Many women are actively discouraged from pursuing careers in physics or engineering. [Editor's note: In 2018, the percentage of female undergraduates studying physics at university was 15.4%, cf. Ikkatai et al. 2021].
However, I want to emphasize that change is possible. In my own research group, for example, I care a lot about gender balance, and women currently make up the majority of my atomic physics group. When people claim that there are no women in the field, I see that as a failure of imagination – they just need to do a bit more research. I also want to mention that I have many male colleagues who are really supportive.
Have you experienced any impact on your career so far due to your gender?
Throughout my career, there have been situations in which I and other female colleagues have felt that we were not being treated equally. You can see that gender bias persists. Like many other women in academia, I have experienced inappropriate comments. It is really important to see that these are not isolated cases, and institutions need to step up.
In my experience of serving on search committees, I have also noticed that the language used to discuss candidates can differ depending on whether the candidate is male or female. I recently pointed out that we would not discuss a male candidate in the same way. I believe it's important that we critically reflect on these patterns.
Another recurring issue is the assumption of intellectual leadership in collaborative work. When a man and a woman co-author a publication, it's almost always assumed that the man was the driving force behind it. Rarely, if ever, do we hear that he publishes with her. Instead, the narrative tends to be that she publishes with him, subtly implying a lesser contribution.
If you could implement one or two measures overnight to encourage more women to go into physics, or science in general, what would they be?
There are simple things you can do to make the environment more inclusive. For example, you could be flexible with working hours for parents. You could also recognize that the working day needs to finish in time for childcare. When I was in Chemnitz for a few months last year, I was surprised to find that there were no baby changing tables in the physics department. It’s always good to have visible signs of inclusion. Also, you need to create an environment where women feel more comfortable. Having just one woman in your research group is not enough; you will need a reasonable number of women. The easiest way to achieve this is to include undergraduates; for example, you could set up programs where female undergraduates can join research groups. Then, when you take your group photo and it shows a lot of women, more women will apply to join your group.
Another piece of advice would be to avoid hiring clones of yourself – a more diverse group is healthier in the long run. After all, the goal is to create a respectful and supportive environment for everyone.
Has collaborating with or networking among other women in science played a role in your career?
Absolutely. I remember attending a conference at the Physikzentrum Bad Honnef where four of the invited speakers were women. One evening, when we were having dinner, we noticed that none of the men wanted to join our table; they seemed a little intimidated. This was the reverse of what women usually experience. We decided to actively support each other's careers by nominating each other for talks, recommending each other for positions and keeping in touch. I think this kind of networking is really important.
Later, I also joined Homeward Bound, an international networking and leadership program for women in science based in Australia. It helped me build connections with other female scientists around the world. These networks foster a sense of belonging, which is extremely beneficial. Men may not always realize that they have this automatically.
Last question: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a career in science?
If you're interested, just go for it! Don't pay any attention to the petty undermining, because it doesn't mean anything. In my opinion, it just reflects on the person doing it. Find your allies. Don't keep things bottled up — reach out to mentors, peers and networks who will support you. Most importantly, don't accept things that are wrong. Speak up, set boundaries and remember that you deserve to be there as much as anyone else. Science needs your perspective.
Learn more about Síle Nic Chormaic here.
Author: Karoline Irschara
published on 2025-10-11