Women in Quantum Physics: Yesterday - Today - Tomorrow
As part of the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technologies 2025 (IYQ2025) — marking 100 years of quantum mechanics — the Faculty of Physics of the University of Vienna will host an evening dedicated to the contributions and participation of women in quantum physics: yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The founder of our platform, Francesca Ferlaino, will be first presenting the atom*innen project and how it is aimed at helping to empowering women in Quantum Physics. She will also participate at the round table afterwards with the other speakers. We're really looking forward to this highly interesting event!

Program

18:20 — Welcome Words
Stefan Fredenhagen, Dean of the Faculty of Physics
Brigitte Bischof, Diversity Coordinator of the Faculty of Physics
18:30 — Talks
Andrea Reichenberger (TUM): Women in the History of Quantum Physics
Simone Rademacher (University of Munich): Numbers speak louder than words – A first approach to an evidence-based discussion about underrepresented groups in mathematical physics
Francesca Ferlaino (University of Innsbruck / ÖAW): Empowering Women in Quantum Physics – Atom*innen Platform
19:45 — Round Table with the Speakers
20:15 — Networking over drinks & snacks
21:00 — End of the event

Please register by 13 November 2025!
Registration here

 

About the talks

Andrea Reichenberger (TUM): Women in the History of Quantum Physics

While the equal participation of highly qualified women in quantum physics and quantum technologies is recognized as a vital component of a sustainable and future-oriented development there is a limited number of well-founded studies on women's impact on the history of quantum physics. This presentation invites a re-evaluation of the history of quantum physics by highlighting the contributions of women and challenging prevailing gender stereotypes and their instrumentalization at the intersection of research practice, public perception, and social policy.

Simone Rademacher (University of Munich): Numbers speak louder than words: A first approach to an evidence-based discussion about underrepresented groups in mathematical physics

In recent years, the issue of diversity has become a topic of crucial interest, not only in industry but also in academia. In this talk, we continue the discussion on diversity within mathematical physics. Drawing on registration data from the International Congresses of Mathematical Physics between 2016 and 2021, we examine two dimensions of diversity: participants’ nationalities and gender. The talk is based on a joint article with Serena Cenatiempo.

Francesca Ferlaino (Universtät Innsbruck/ÖAW): Empowering Women in Quantum Physics: Atom*innen Platform

While the inclusion of women in quantum physics is widely recognized as crucial for the future of the field, taking practical steps to achieve it remains a challenge. In this talk, I introduce the Atom*innen Platform, an initiative aimed at fostering change and building a supportive community for women physicists across Europe. Moreover, I will also present Women for Quantum – Manifesto of Values, which outlines shared principles for inclusive practice. Finally, I will discuss how these projects translate ideas into action, creating concrete opportunities to empower women and shape a more equitable future in quantum physics.

 

Find out more here!