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.