The Austrian Academy of Sciences invites everyone to the international travelling exhibition "The Marie Curies of the Mediterranean". This exhibition celebrates the lives and achievements of female researchers from the Mediterranean region who have received or contributed to the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowships from the European Union.

Translated into nine languages, the exhibition has been displayed across Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, showcasing scientists from 22 countries, 19 of which are Mediterranean. Its goals are to inspire future generations, highlight the scientific talent of the Mediterranean, and increase the visibility of women in science.

Opening:
Monday, January 20, 2025, at 5 PM
Sitzungssaal, Austrian Academy of Sciences
Dr. Ignaz Seipel-Platz 2, 1010 Wien

Registration is kindly requested: Click here to register
Program: Click here to see the program

Exhibition Duration:
January 21 to March 9, 2025, weekdays 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location:

One in two female scientists say they have experienced sexual harassment at work. Today, November 25th, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, highlighting the critical challenges we still have to overcome.

Here is some data:
1/3 woman in the EU experienced gender-based violence.
80% of disabled women are victims of violence.
75% of Islamophobic attacks target women.
85% of transgender people are assaulted in their lifetime.

Let's unite to end violence against women and underrepresented groups #womenandgirlsinphysics hashtag#diversityandinclusioninSTEM hashtag#endviolenceagainstwomen hashtag#25november hashtag#noexcuse hashtag#unite

hashtag(data from Eurostat, Ipsos, UN Women, NousToutes)

Francesca Ferlaino, a prominent physicist in Innsbruck, Austria, focuses on uncovering quantum phenomena at temperatures approaching absolute zero. Originally from Naples, she arrived at the University of Innsbruck in 2006 as a guest scientist to study ultracold molecules and has since made Austria her home. She is currently serving as a professor and scientific director at the Austrian Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Innsbruck.

At a recent gala where she received Austria’s “Person of the Year” award, Ferlaino reflected on how being recognized as an Italian felt meaningful and inspiring, especially for the international scientific community. Her research into unknown states of matter has led to significant findings, including observing “suprasolid” states, where atoms display properties of both liquids and solids simultaneously—a groundbreaking discovery in quantum physics.

To study quantum interactions, Ferlaino cools atoms to near absolute zero, allowing the observation of interactions without direct contact, particularly with highly magnetic erbium atoms. These atoms can exchange information across distances without touching, a phenomenon with potential to revolutionize data transmission.

When asked about her scientific role models, such as Erwin Schrödinger and Anton Zeilinger, Francesca Ferlaino humbly declined comparison. She noted also that, in her experience, scientific breakthroughs are collaborative efforts rather than individual genius. With few women in her field, she founded atom*innen. 

Ferlaino champions fundamental research, advocating that advances in science often stem from basic discoveries rather than immediate applications. As highlighted by Henrietta Egerth-Stadlhuber, the Managing Director of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG, foundational research may take decades to impact humanity but is crucial in the long term, serving the collective needs of society.

Big news on arXiv!
Over 30 female Quantum Professors have united to release a powerful Manifesto of Values. They reflect on gender issues in quantum physics and call for change with a clear set of values. Let's support and amplify their voices! hashtag

#WomenInSTEM hashtag#QuantumPhysics

Learn more

Some time ago at Institute IQOQI-Innsbruck, Francesca Ferlaino began developing the idea of creating an online user-interactive platform to empower and support women in (quantum) physics, with the aim of providing a focal point for gathering information and connections. Today, the project has taken form and it's called Atom*innen. It will be launched on April 11th in Vienna.

To emphasise the importance of inclusive language, the university's new regulations were written using the feminine for all persons in the singular and plural: something very rare in institutional contexts.

The University of Trento's board unanimously approved a new regulation where all positions are referred to in the feminine form, aiming to promote gender equality in language. This move challenges the traditionally overextended use of the masculine in Italian, reflecting broader debates on sexism in language. While this linguistic shift is rare in institutional settings, it echoes ongoing discussions in Italian public and political spheres. Such debates include instances where female professionals advocate for recognition in the feminine form, while others argue for maintaining traditional linguistic conventions. This issue intersects with broader discussions about introducing inclusive language in official documents, an area where Italian politics has historically been resistant. Despite efforts like an unsuccessful 2022 amendment advocating for gender-inclusive language in official communication, the debate surrounding gendered language persists in Italian society.

Read the full article in ilpost.