A few weeks ago, we took part in the “Quantastisch – What’s up in the quantum world?” outreach event. Over 1,000 students aged 13 to 18 gathered at the Austrian Academy of Sciences - Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften (ÖAW) to explore the fascinating world of quantum science. Quantum Science Austria researchers demonstrated exciting experiments and showed how quantum research is shaping future technologies but also everyday life.

We ran an information stand and even got to take part in a Quantum Game as a joker! It was wonderful to talk to so many curious girls who were eager to learn more about quantum physics. We know that stereotypes start shaping us from an early age, so it's never too early to start challenging them.

Want to learn more about atom*innen? The next possibility to meet us is on 6 November at Vienna City Hall at Willkommen Quantenwelt where we will celebrate the quantum world: There will be a special stage program with the satirical duo Stermann & Grissemann, a creative science slam and lots networking opportunites. Come and visit our stand, say hello, and find out more about our community! :-)

Thanks a lot for the great pictures Daniel Hinterramskogler!

On September 19th, atom*innen had the great pleasure of participating in a panel discussion on women in science and art at the kg17 project in Innsbruck. The event was part of the ULTRA | memoria cosmica, an immersive installation by conceptual artist Tim Otto Roth, which uses light and sound to bring the invisible world of cosmic radiation to life. 75 luminous speakers transform the turbine hall, bathed in a deep blue hue through filter foils, into a sound laboratory. The predominantly downward movements make the invisible ionizing radiation from space not only sensually perceptible, but the energies translated into pitches also create a spatial-musical experience. The "natural score" for the various pieces is based on datasets from neutrino observatories.

The exhibition commemorates Marietta Blau, a pioneering Austrian physicist whose work transformed nuclear particle detection. She developed photographic emulsion techniques that became standard tools in particle physics. Despite her groundbreaking discoveries, she was denied the recognition she deserved for decades. Blau symbolizes the many women whose scientific achievements have been overlooked.

Our Gender Officer Karoline moderated the panel with experts from science and arts: 

• Prof. Anita Reimer, physicist, who will also give a lecture on the origins of cosmic radiation
• Prof. Brigitte Mazohl, historian and pioneer on women's history
• Mag.a Carmen Brucic, artist and lecturer

Together, they explored the progress made towards gender equity in science and the arts, while also reflecting on current setbacks and the ongoing importance of advocacy and structural change.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Gerhard Kerschbaumer and Helga Madera from kulturnetzTirol for the kind invitation, to the excellent panel guests who shared their expertise with us, and to the audience for the great discussion afterwards.

You can listen to part of the discussion (in German) here: https://cba.media/podcast/sondersendungen-auf-freirad-freies-radio-innsbruck 

The exhibition is open until October 24, Fridays and Sundays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Further info can be found here.

For further info on Marietta Blau, see: https://scientificwomen.net/women/blau-marietta-117 | https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/the-dark-stars-of-marietta-blau/

Pictures by Helga Madera

Exciting times for atom*innen: Last week, we had the honour of presenting the atom*innen platform at the launch of the Women4Quantum (W4Q) Association at Sorbonne Université Paris.

W4Q is a group of female physics professors, mostly based in Europe but also in Japan, working in AMO physics, quantum many-body physics, and quantum information. They recently published a manifesto of values questioning the current model of scientific leadership, funding, and authority - and advocating for a joint effort to improve the situation of women in quantum physics.  

The official launch of the W4Q Association was an empowering moment, sending out a clear call for change in quantum science. Throughout the day, engaging conversations brought together voices from academia, industry and even the arts.

We're so grateful to have been part of this exciting moment. Karoline presented our platform and shared what atom*innen is about: a network dedicated to empowering and connecting women and gender minorities in quantum science. If you have not done yet, please register on and join our community!! :-)

To W4Q: Thank you again for inviting us, and congratulations on this important milestone!

Pictures by Jadwiga Wilkens, thank you!

atom*innen is excited to collaborate with the art project ULTRA | memoria cosmica, which is now on display in the historic turbine hall of KG17 in Innsbruck. This immersive installation, created by conceptual artist Tim Otto Roth, brings visibility to the pioneering work of physicist Marietta Blau and celebrates her groundbreaking contributions to science.

Arts, physics and women in physics

Marietta Blau was a pioneering nuclear physicist. Together with her assistant, Hertha Wambacher, she was the first to observe how a high-energy particle smashed an atomic nucleus – documented on special photographic plates. Following Austria's annexation by the Nazi regime, Blau, who was persecuted as a Jew, had to flee into exile. Her research was continued by her assistant without proper recognition. Blau is representative of the many women whose scientific achievements have been overlooked and rendered invisible.

In ULTRA, conceptual artist Tim Otto Roth evokes the discovery history of cosmic rays at the Hafelekar research station in Innsbruck through ethereal movements of light and sound. 75 luminous speakers transform the turbine hall, bathed in a deep blue hue through filter foils, into a sound laboratory. The predominantly downward movements make the invisible ionizing radiation from space not only sensually perceptible, but the energies translated into pitches also create a spatial-musical experience. The "natural score" for the various pieces is based on datasets from neutrino observatories.

A highlight for atom*innen

As part of the event series, we are excited to invite you to a special panel discussion on September 19th at 7:00 PM. Our Gender Officer, Karoline Irschara, will moderate a discussion on the role of women in science and the arts.

The panel will feature:

• Prof. Anita Reimer, physicist, who will also give a lecture on the origins of cosmic radiation
• Prof. Brigitte Mazohl, historian
• Mag.a Carmen Brucic, artist and lecturer

The discussion will explore the contributions of women in these fields and will be held in German.

The exhibition is generally open from September 5 to October 24, Fridays and Sundays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. additional to the following events:

Further info can be found here.

For further info on Marietta Blau, see: https://scientificwomen.net/women/blau-marietta-117 | https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/the-dark-stars-of-marietta-blau/

From 6-11 July, we took part in this year’s Young Atom Opticians (YAO) 2025 conference in Innsbruck – an international conference organized by and for students, primarily aimed at Master's and PhD students in atomic, molecular, optical, and quantum physics. This year's conference held special significance as it was the 30th anniversary of YAO, returning to its birthplace in Innsbruck, where it was first held in 1995. 

Our Gender Officer, Karoline Irschara, gave a talk on gender equality in physics, presenting recent data on the representation of women in physics in Austria and across the EU. She explored the structural reasons behind the gender gap and highlighted why equity is essential for scientific excellence and innovation. Karoline also introduced our platform, atominnen.at, showcasing new features and interactive data visualizations.

Following the talk, we had an open and lively discussion with many thoughtful contributions from the audience – showing just how relevant and important this topic has become within the quantum community. Conversations continued over a relaxed atom*innen lunch for women and gender minorities, offering even more opportunities to connect and exchange ideas.

A big thank you to the YAO 2025 organizing team – Eva Casotti, Clemens Ulm, Johanna Hennebichler, and Alberto Canali – for hosting such a well-run and inspiring conference. And thank you to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, and shared your thoughts with us. Let's stay in touch :-)

Fotos by IQOQI | D. Jordan

We had a great time at our atom*innen Women's Lunch with Nobel Laureate Prof. Anne L'Huillier, which took place on June 29th 2025 at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) in Innsbruck. The event brought together a brilliant group of early-career scientists from the IQOQI and the University of Innsbruck for an open and thoughtful exchange. 

Back in 1987, Prof. Anne L’Huillier observed that many different overtones of light arose when she transmitted infrared laser light through a noble gas. She continued to explore this phenomenon, paving the path for subsequent breakthroughs in producing attosecond pulses. Her contributions to the field have been foundational, and her career continues to inspire physicists worldwide. In this video, Anne L'Huillier discusses what it's like to be awarded a Nobel Prize, emphasising the importance of role models and science communication.

We were honoured to hear her reflections on science, perseverance and the importance of building supportive communities in academia. Her visit was a true highlight for our network and an encouraging moment for the next generation of women in quantum science.

Special thanks to Prof. L’Huillier for generously sharing her time, expertise and perspective.

Photo credits: IQOQI Innsbruck | D. Jordan