Physicist of the Month

Are you a physicist and would like to introduce yourself and your research or work? Don't hesitate to write to us at chancengleichheit@oepg.at!

July 2026

Aline Ramires, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Solid State Physics at the TU Wien

About myself and my research

I am a condensed matter theorist working on quantum materials. My research explores how symmetry and electronic interactions give rise to novel quantum phases of matter in complex materials, with the goal of uncovering fundamental phenomena potentially enabling future quantum technologies.

I began my studies in “physical engineering”, a newly established degree program offered at only one university in my home country, Brazil. At the time, I was driven by a desire to better understand how the world works while pursuing a technically oriented career. During my undergraduate studies, I discovered research through a scientific project on superconductivity and realized that a career in science offered exactly what I was looking for: the opportunity to explore new ideas driven by curiosity and creativity. This experience led me to switch my focus to physics and seek a Master's program where I could deepen my understanding of superconductivity.

I completed my Master's degree in Brazil before moving to the United States for my Ph.D. at Rutgers University, graduating in 2015. I subsequently held research positions at ETH Zürich, Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, and ICTP-SAIFR. From 2020 to 2025, I was an Ambizione Fellow and junior group leader at Paul Scherrer Institute, supported by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation. Since 2025, I have been a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at the Institute of Solid State Physics in Vienna.

Outside of research, I navigate family and academic life across two countries with my partner, who is also a scientist, a challenge that has taught me that work-life balance can take many different forms.

What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics? 

Looking back on my own path, I realize how much access to information and opportunities can matter. Growing up in Brazil, I did not see a scientific career as a realistic option. It was only through research experiences during my undergraduate studies that I discovered what science actually involves and began to imagine myself as a physicist.

For this reason, I believe that increasing visibility and access is one of the most important steps toward creating more equal opportunities in physics. Role models, outreach activities, and mentoring can help young people see science as a path open to them and give them the confidence to pursue it.

At the same time, equal opportunities require supportive and fair environments throughout a scientist's career. Transparent hiring, funding, and evaluation processes are essential, as is recognizing that career paths are not always linear and that researchers face different personal circumstances.

This became particularly clear to me during a job interview, when I was repeatedly questioned about whether my family situation would allow me to meet the position's expectations. Although I had already explained that the necessary arrangements were in place, the issue continued to be raised. Only when another committee member pointed out that a similar answer had been accepted from a male candidate did the discussion move on. Experiences like this remind me that equal treatment cannot be taken for granted. They also motivate me to actively advocate for fairness and inclusion whenever I have the opportunity to do so.

If you would like to learn more about Aline Ramires and her work, you can find the link to her you can find a link to her personal website here and a link to her institute's website at TU Wien here.