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!

April 2026

Beatrix Hiesmayr, Professor of Quantum Information at IT:U Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria

About myself and my research

In upper secondary school, I joined the Physics Olympiad more or less by chance. We dug out old experiments from the physics cabinet, dusted them off, and puzzled over why this or that happened. Of course, everyone wanted to find the better, the “more correct” explanation. To prove it, you had to detect contradictions in the others’ arguments – a truly exciting adventure. Our teacher also organized excursions to CERN near Geneva, the world’s largest particle accelerator, and to the Deutsches Museum in Munich.

Studying physics was demanding, but the deeper I was able to dive into the subject, the more fascinating it became for me. The wonderful thing is: that hasn’t changed to this day. When I solve a physics problem – something I am rightly proud of – the process usually opens up numerous new and intriguing questions right away. So I never get bored, and that’s wonderful.

My field is quantum physics or quantum information theory. Quantum theory is indeed strange because it often contradicts our intuition – and precisely because of that it is so successful: if you follow its rules, you can reliably predict what will happen. We are currently living in particularly exciting times: a wide range of quantum technologies is emerging, such as eavesdrop‑proof communication enabled by quantum laws or quantum computers that operate entirely differently from the machines we use today. Perhaps quantum effects can even be used to learn more about processes involved in cancer growth in humans or to look inside the body non‑invasively. At my new employer, IT:U, I can not only pursue my interdisciplinary interests and scientific ideas but also have the opportunity to build a completely new laboratory where we will entangle light particles in various ways.

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

Equal opportunities in physics are still far from being achieved, and compared with 20 years ago, it is unfortunately hard to say that the situation has noticeably improved. Many adjustments are needed. There is a lot of discussion about it – which is important because it makes the problem visible – but now we need concrete, targeted measures so that things truly change over the next ten years. The Scandinavian countries have demonstrated that it can be done: in the end, there is hardly any way around quotas, combined with tangible consequences if they are not met.

Personally, after many years of dedication, I have finally reached a position that reflects my achievements. With the opportunities now available to me, I want to actively support and mentor women on their path into science.

If you would like to learn more about Beatrix Hiesmayr and her work, you can find the link to her IT:U profile here.