On May 19th we had the privilege of hosting an insightful guest lecture by Dr. Andrea Navarro-Quezada, who has been chairing the Working Group for Equal Opportunities in Physics within the Austrian Physical Society (ÖPG) since 2023. Through her work, Dr. Navarro-Quezada advocates for the promotion of female researchers in physics and actively supports diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.

Held at the Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation (IQOQI) in Innsbruck, Dr. Navarro-Quezada’s lecture highlighted key statistics and trends regarding women in physics in Austria. While it's encouraging to see an increase in the number of female students entering the field, she pointed out that women continue to face a high dropout rate at advanced academic stages. She explored potential causes for this discrepancy and stressed the importance of fostering awareness, as well as creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for women in science.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Andrea Navarro-Quezada for her valuable insights and unwavering dedication to this critical issue. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with her!

Pictures from  IQOQI | D. Jordan can be found here.

We are excited to welcome Priv.-Doz.in Dr.in Andrea Navarro-Quezada as our speaker in our next ATOM*INNEN TALK.

"Physics has no gender: Building Equal Opportunities in Physics"

• Monday, May 19, 2025
• 2:30 p.m
• Erwin Schrödinger Saal, IQOQI Innsbruck

In her talk, “Physics has no gender: Building Equal Opportunities in Physics,” she will explore gender disparities in Austrian physics academia, present key data and insights, and discuss the role of initiatives like the Equal Opportunities in Physics Group of the Austrian Physical Society in promoting lasting change.

Although the number of female physics students in Austria has increased slightly over the last 25 years, only 13% of physics professors are women. Discrimination in physics is still present and controversial for some. In this talk, Andrea Navarro-Quezada will present some facts and figures from Austrian universities, discuss possible causes, and highlight the importance of initiatives like the Equal Opportunities in Physics Group of the Austrian Physical Society in achieving equal opportunities for all.

About the Speaker:
Andrea Navarro-Quezada is a Funding Consultant for the Research Support Office of the Medical Faculty of the Johannes Kepler University Linz and Chairwoman of the Equal Opportunities Group in Physics of the Austrian Physical Society. She was awarded the prestigious Elise Richter Fellowship and received her habilitation in experimental physics in 2021. Andrea Navarro-Quezada also writes the physics blog "Die Physiker:innen" for Der Standard.

Join us after the talk for coffee, pastries, and informal discussion. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are delighted to be taking part in the #QuantumSnapshots social media campaign organised by quantA – Quantum Science Austria. For one week, leading quantum institutes across Austria are able to share a visual journey through their laboratories, research teams and scientific work, offering a glimpse into the richness and excellence of quantum science in the country. The Quantum Snapshots campaign builds up to World Quantum Day on 14 April, a date chosen in reference to Planck's constant – a number symbolising the birth of quantum physics. This year's celebration is particularly significant as it forms part of the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

We are particularly proud to contribute a post that highlights not only current research but also the people behind it, with a focus on equity, inclusion and the diverse voices that are shaping the future of quantum science. Pictured from left to right: PhD students Sarah Embacher(Erbium lab), Elena Poli(theory group of Prof. Francesca Ferlaino) and Eva Casotti (Er-Dy experiment). Together they investigate the fascinating world of dipolar quantum gases. You can read the full post here.

The great pic was taken by IQOQI | David Jordan - thanks a lot!

Together with Quantum Science Austria we had a fantastic networking women's lunch at the 4th quantA Workshop at Johannes Kepler University Linz! Bringing together many different women from across the Austrian quantum science community, the lunch provided an open and encouraging space to exchange ideas, share experiences and make new connections. Thank you to everyone who attended - we hope you continue to expand your networks and collaborations beyond the event!!

Hashta

Diversity in Quantum (DiviQ) and the EU Quantum Flagship have just launched the Global Quantum Needs Assessment, and we invite you to participate! The survey will take just 6-10 minutes, and you can help making quantum science better for all!

Your responses will help:

• Assess what’s working (and what isn’t) in supporting those engaged in quantum science
• Identify unmet needs within the global quantum science community
• Benchmark how quantum science compares to other STEM fields in terms of representation and experience

Participants also have the opportunity to enter a multiple-round drawing for $500 travel scholarships and volunteer for follow-up interviews on their quantum experiences.

Further information can be found here: https://www.diviq.org/survey

On January 30, WIQD (Women in Quantum Development) will host an inspirational talk by Prof. Rosario González-Férez, Full Professor at the Universidad de Granada and advocate for diversity in quantum science. She’ll share her personal journey, challenges, and achievements, as well as insights from the Women For Quantum collaboration and their Manifesto of Values.

Atom*innen will take part in this opportunity to learn about inclusivity in quantum, hear from an award-winning scientist, and connect with fellow quantum enthusiasts.

Date: January 30, 2025
Time: 12:30–13:30
Locations: Online & livestreamed in Amsterdam, Delft, Eindhoven, Enschede and Leiden

Registration via Eventbrite and further info via WIQD

Hashta