ÖPG
Physicist of the Month
Are you a physicist and would like to introduce yourself and your research? Don't hesitate to write to us at chancengleichheit@oepg.at!
January 2025
Ingrid Krumphals, Professor of Physics Education at PH Steiermark
About myself and my research
Since early childhood, I have always been interested in the question - why? Due to my curiosity and my frequent questions, those around me were often confronted with this question and often in need of an explanation. This goal of understanding nature and then being able to explain it to others ultimately led me to study physics. After a few years of teaching and studying for a doctorate, I embarked on a career in science and am now a professor of didactics in physics.
I am therefore specifically concerned with how physics can best be learned and taught, in particular how physics content can be conveyed in an understandable, exciting and effective way. Through my research, I want to contribute to the positive development of the educational landscape so that young people are better prepared for the challenges of the future.
For me, the focus is particularly on promoting future literacy - the ability to actively prepare for future developments - and scientific literacy - the ability to think scientifically and make informed decisions. These two skills are essential for acting confidently and independently in a rapidly changing world. I am convinced that education is the key to creating a sustainable, fair and good or better future for all.
What can be done for more equal opportunities in physics?
In my opinion, equal opportunities will be achieved when we have stopped thinking in terms of differences and finally take equality for granted. Instead of focusing on the differences between people in their diversity dimensions (e.g. gender, origin, ethnicity), we should focus on what connects us as people. An inclusive culture starts where we see diversity as a strength, not a challenge.
One sentence that particularly inspires me comes from Ursula von der Leyen: “If we include all talents, we can make the impossible possible.”
To promote equal opportunities in the field of physics, we need more than just role models, i.e. visible role models who show that physics is for everyone. It needs society as a whole: for example, radio or TV presenters who talk positively about physics (and STEM subjects) and spark interest instead of labeling physics as difficult; parents who encourage their children to follow their natural curiosity about the world and discover physics as something exciting and, above all, helpful; and simply all people who do not see physics as something abstract or difficult, but at least approach it with an open, neutral attitude. This collective support creates an atmosphere in which young people are encouraged to go their own way - regardless of stereotypes or prejudices.
I have personally experienced how important it is not only to demand equal opportunities, but to actively live them - from an early age. It starts in education, in the classroom and in everyday encounters in which we encourage children and young people to look beyond their “socialized horizons”. We should encourage everyone not only to see opportunities, but also to seize them and live them.
Especially in my position as a woman in a leadership role, I have learned that true strength lies in encouraging others and creating space for new perspectives. Equal opportunities means not only giving everyone access, but also giving them the courage to go their own way. Another important aspect is to consciously consider other dimensions of diversity: origin, gender, social background or individual circumstances. We all have a responsibility to see this diversity as an enrichment.
“Diversity drives innovation - without it, we lose out on the perspectives that can change the world.” - Megan Smith
Ingrid Krumphals is Professor of Physics Education and Head of the Center for Didactic Research in Science and Technology Education at the University College of Teacher Education Styria. If you would like to find out more about her and her work, here is the link to her website and here is the link to the NATech Center (both only available in German).
December 2024
Gemma de les Coves, Assoc.-Prof. of Theoretical Physics at the University of Innsbruck
About myself and my research
I am an Associate Professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Innsbruck. I work on trying to understand the reach of some forms universality and unreachability in physics, mathematics, computer science and beyond, including some philosophical problems. I have also worked on mathematical physics and quantum information.
What can be done for more equal opportunities in physics?
I am fortunate to live in a time of a revolution that tries to revert the very heavy historical asymmetry of men and women in their social roles. This revolution is more fragile than it seems and it is up to all of us to keep it alive by means of all possible measures. I am also aware that unfortunately this is not happening everywhere in the world, which is even more reason to fight for it.
If you would like to find out more about Gemma de les Coves and her work, here is the link to her working group and here is the link to her personal website.
November 2024
Hemma Bieser, Board Member OurPower Energiegenossenschaft
About myself and my work
After studying physics at TU Wien, I realized that, in addition to technology and science, I am also very fascinated by working with people. After a few years in my own innovation agency, we founded the OurPower Energiegenossenschaft [energy cooperative] together with 19 founders in 2018, where I have also been a board member since 2022. As a physicist, it is important to me to understand and grasp the big picture, develop visions and build a completely new model for a sustainable energy industry together with my crew. During my studies, I learned how to solve complex problems - this now helps me in my day-to-day work.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
In the energy sector, too, we are still a long way from equality and equal rights for women and men. In my experience, structural changes are needed at universities and in industry. It is important to get girls interested in physics and technology at a very early age. This works very well with role models, for example. In other words, women who have already made a career and are willing to talk about it and encourage young girls. There are already many good examples at universities and in companies of how equal opportunities can succeed. Consciously use gender-neutral language in job advertisements. Create a working environment that promotes the compatibility of work and family. Consciously empower women when filling vacancies and encourage them to apply. And I think mentoring programs, which are a matter of course in America but still a rarity here, are very important.
We see time and again that very important decisions are made in all-male committees, be it in politics, in companies or even at universities. My experience has shown me - and there are also scientific studies on this - that decisions turn out differently when women are also at the negotiating table. For the energy transition, we are therefore calling for women and men to have an equal seat at the table for all key decisions affecting the energy supply of the future.
If you would like to learn more about Hemma Bieser and her work, here is the link to the energy cooperative´s website (only available in German).
October 2024
Sarah Lindner, Physicist at the University of Graz
About myself and my research
I am a postdoctoral researcher in Graz and work in the research group “Optics of Nano and Quantum Materials”, where I excite single photon emitters, namely color centers in diamond with structured light to expand the findings on their luminescence properties. Moreover, I plan on using the established methods of coupling silicon-vacancy centers in nanodiamonds to waveguides.
Believe it or not - the most formative experience for my career happened in my early childhood. At that time, my dad studied physics in Graz. One day my mum took me with her to pick up my dad after lecture. While waiting, I saw an experiment on campus which turned my understanding of the world upside-down. There was a cylinder which seemingly rolled up a ramp instead of down! I asked my mum how that can possibly be and she answered: "To understand that, you have to study physics like your dad." And so I did, about 15 years later, still curious how the world works.
I did my master's thesis in experimental particle physics in Heidelberg, driven by my interest in advances on subatomic physics. This research proved to be very exciting, however I missed the hands-on lab work.
So I decided to follow my other professional passion, namely optics. I pursued a PhD at Saarland University where I worked with quantum emitters, which are of fundamental importance because they can serve as building blocks for various applications e.g., quantum computing and quantum metrology. Now I merge my expertise quantum optics with the expertise of this group in structured light.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
In my opinion, there are two turning points: One in childhood where the mindset is formed that girls and boys can be interested in the same stuff. The other one down the road when a woman interested in physics wants to further pursue this career.
As the mother of a young child I'm shocked that there are so many, more or less subtle guidelines as to what is appropriate for a girl or a boy surrounding us. I'm not even speaking of blue and pink colored clothes: There are still so many children's books which follow traditional role models like: mum is cooking; child finds dad's toolbox; mum stays at the hospital with child where they are taken care of by a male doctor and a colony of female nurses and dad drops by in the evening; a book about space shuttles only featuring men... It's no wonder that these images get imprinted in the brains over the many years. A big thank you to all the authors of media for children who show that other concepts are possible, keep up the good work!
As a physicist as university I notice changes for the better to keep women in academia. One example is to count the "professional age" (i.e. duration in academia, therefore excluding e.g. parental leave) for grant applications etc. However, child care isn't over when the kid enters daycare. I think a model like joint leadership, where two individuals share one position and in academia also the evaluated research output could be a path towards establishing a culture, where it's possible to pursue an academic career and less stressful family life - both for mothers and fathers.
If you would like to learn more about Sarah Lindner and her research, here is the link to the institute´s website.
September 2024
Patricia Palacios, University Lecturer in Philosophy of Physics at the University of Salzburg
About myself and my work
I am a university lecturer in philosophy of physics at the University of Salzburg. In my research I deal with the foundations of physics. I ask questions such as: ‘What is the relationship between different physical theories, such as Newtonian mechanics and the theory of relativity? What can we learn from thought experiments, especially in the physics of black holes? What is the justification for applying physics to other fields, especially biology and political science?’ When I studied physics in Chile (my home country), I always asked myself questions about the justification of assumptions in physical theories and this eventually led me to philosophy of physics: a discipline that combines scientific and philosophical curiosity.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
I believe that girls' passion for science could be awakened in childhood through toys and activities that are normally aimed at boys. Later on, I think it is crucial to support women in different ways: offering more tenure-track positions for female scientists to encourage them to stay in science; flexibility in the workplace so they can spend time with their families; and support at academic events, especially for new mothers; support in the private sphere is also crucial, especially from partners, relatives and friends.
I am a mum of two young daughters myself and although I admit that it is not always easy to balance motherhood and an academic career, it is possible if there is enough support. For example, as a new mum I have often taken my children to various events, including Harvard (US), Santa Fe (US) and Bristol (UK). This was only possible because I had the support of family members who were able to travel with me. One important exception was the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart, which covered the cost of childcare throughout my trip. I believe such measures should be available more often for female academics.
Patricia Palacios is co-founder and currently elected Equity Diversity Inclusion Officer of the International Philosophy of Physics Society (link). If you would like to learn more about her and her research, here is the link to her website.
August 2024
Margherita Matzer, Physicist at WIVA P&G
About myself and my work
I am a physicist and worked as a research assistant at the JKU Linz for four and a half years. I have been working as a network coordinator at WIVA P&G for a good two years by now. This is an organisation that promotes research and development in the areas of application, grid and storage technologies for hydrogen and renewable gases, as well as measures to disseminate these activities. In my role, I am able to support and drive forward innovative projects in a wide range of specialist areas. My work is very varied, ranging from administrative office work to the technical assessment of projects to networking activities and lectures.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
In order to achieve equal opportunities in physics, preventive measures are often proposed in schools to ensure that more women start studying physics. In my opinion, this is a wonderful measure to get more women into physics, but unfortunately not one to achieve equal opportunities. The moment a woman enters a technical-scientific faculty, she is confronted with inappropriate jokes, derogatory comments, unfair judgment and impediments to further career advancement. To counteract this, equal opportunities departments must be set up and equipped with the authority to act independently of the rectorate.
In my childhood and youth, I was spared inequality of opportunity as much as possible in our society. It was only when I went to university that I felt the full extent of gender-specific inequality of opportunity. In addition to inappropriate comments from colleagues, course instructors and superiors, unequal performance grading and sexist lecture slides, I was particularly shocked by the unequal treatment in one of the research groups I worked in.
If you would like to find out more about Margherita Matzer and her research, here is the link to the associations's website.
July 2024
Esmeralda Campos, Physics Educator at the University of Vienna
About myself and my work
I’m a postdoctoral researcher at the Austrian Educational Competence Centre Physics (AECC-P) of the University of Vienna. I’m originally from Mexico, where I studied a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics and a PhD in educational innovation. My main research focus is on students’ understanding of abstract concepts of electricity and magnetism using multiple representations. Additionally, I participate in research projects about gender inclusion in STEM areas.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
In one of these research projects, we have found that to achieve equal opportunities for women in physics and engineering at the university level, it is important that universities improve their attraction and retention processes. This can be done by increasing the visibility of women in STEM areas and making mentoring programs directed at women studying physics and other STEM programs.
As a young physics student, I often received comments such as “you don’t need to study for the exam, just wear something provocative”. At the time I wouldn’t respond to these comments, to try to fit in within a male-dominated field. Looking backwards, I see how offensive these comments were and that I would modify my behavior to avoid such comments. Universities need to be safe spaces for everyone. To achieve this, it is the responsibility of society (as a whole), not just of women.
If you would like to find out more about Esmeralda Campos and her research, here is the link to the institute's website (only available in German).
June 2024
Yoojin Oh, Physicist at the Institute of Biophysics at the JKU Linz
About myself and my work
My research focuses on nanometric properties of bio-materials (proteins, bacteria, biofilm, oxide materials for bio-applications) that require the application of a whole portfolio of nanoscopic and microscopic techniques (atomic force microscopy, electrostatic force microscopy, near-field scanning optical microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy). I have investigated several microbial systems with single molecule biophysics methods to finally establish interdisciplinary research, by incorporating biophysics, condensed matter physics, various microscopic techniques, soft lithography, and microbiology.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
My PhD at a women's university did not prompt much thought on gender equality in physics. But my postdoc abroad realized its male-dominated nature. Collaborative research underscored gender ratio gaps. Achieving equality requires equal starting points, yet it is challenging now. Promoting gender-neutral education, fighting bias, and implementing supportive systems like family-friendly policies and mentoring programs are vital. Sustaining long-term programs for female scientists will enhance opportunities, fostering diversity and inclusivity toward equality.
Over the past 20 years, significant efforts in the scientific community have led to an increase in the number of female students studying physics, as well as the number of PIs. However, issues such as a lack of opportunities for participation and presentation, difficulties in career transitions, imbalances in research funding, and gender discrimination and bias are just some of the inequalities experienced not only by individuals but also by many female researchers. Continuous efforts are needed to address these issues.
If you would like to find out more about Yoojin Oh and her research, here is the link to the institute's website (only available in German).
May 2024
Julia Weratschnig, Astrophysicist at the VEGA Observatory Haus der Natur in Salzburg
About myself and my work
I studied physics at the University of Innsbruck and wrote my doctoral thesis in the field of astrophysics. I have been working as a curator/educator for astronomy at Haus der Natur in Salzburg since 2019. As part of my work, I manage the VEGA observatory Haus der Natur, plan and design material for guided tours and workshops and also hold them. I also organize training courses and conferences at the observatory and work as an astronomer in the exhibition planning of space and astronomy-related areas in the museum.
This work is a dream job for me: as an astrophysicist, I am an absolute science nerd and have loved science museums since I was a child - working in one is incredibly enjoyable: I get paid to think about and report on astronomy all day long. In addition, a museum is an incredibly inspiring working environment: you can always learn something new over lunch with colleagues. The most fulfilling are astronomical tours and workshops at the observatory with school classes. It's hard to believe the in-depth questions about astronomy that come from the participants. For me personally, this is an incentive to support and encourage this curiosity as much as I can, as interest in science unfortunately often wanes with increasing age. After a conversation with a ten-year-old girl, hearing “That's so cool, I'd love to become an astronomer myself!” is the best praise for me.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
What always saddens me is the pride with which some adults claim that they have never liked math and physics and don't understand why anyone would voluntarily study these cultural assets that so often improve our daily lives! I therefore think an important first step is to change this basic attitude of the general public. It seems to me that this rejection has almost been learned: many young children are incredibly inquisitive and never stop learning about dinosaurs, airplanes or black holes.
I am in the fortunate position of being able to “teach” astrophysics without the pressure of grades or performance. Having taught at an AHS for a few years myself, this is actually a big difference: people are much more willing to listen to me here, they dare to ask questions more freely - and I don't have to evaluate or grade anyone. School grades often don't do justice to students' actual effort and often have a demotivating effect. And why should you make an effort if it's normal to be bad at math and physics anyway?
In our workshops with children, on the other hand, I often find that even children you wouldn't expect are suddenly really interested and ask lots of questions. It seems important to me to take all questions seriously and answer them as well as possible. Some questions cannot be answered ("What happens to an atom that falls into a black hole?"). Communicating this fact honestly and saying: “Do you see how good your question is? Many physicists are racking their brains to find an answer to that!” makes children even more curious - and proud. It's not uncommon for me to hear “So if I find the answer, that would be really good?”. In my opinion, there really are no stupid questions! We have school classes with children from migrant backgrounds, special schools and private grammar schools visiting us - you can find great interest and dreams in all these children. First of all, it is important to take this interest seriously and encourage it. When children realize that physics is actually fun, that there are many ways to approach physics and that it is often about often involves simply trying something out, they have more confidence and sometimes really blossom.
Julia Weratschnig is a board member of the Austrian Society for Astronomy and Astrophysics (link), an active member of the Austrian Space Forum (link) and works in national working groups of the International Astronomical Union (link) in the field of public relations and education. If you would like to find out more about her and her research, here is the link to the VEGA Observatory´s website.
April 2024
Susanne Neumann, Physics Teacher and Physics Educator
About myself and my work
I have been teaching physics at a Viennese secondary school for 20 years now. From the very beginning, it was important to me not only to further develop my own teaching, but also to promote networking between physics teachers. After completing a dissertation in physics education with Prof. Martin Hopf, in which I investigated how we could teach the subject of "radiation" better, I worked in the training and further education of physics teachers. I am currently pursuing my goal of supporting physics teachers through networking as head of the physics teachers' working group. I advise all new teachers to get in touch with the ARGE management in their federal state (https://ph.schule.at/portale/physik/arge.html) and to attend regular training courses. Many challenges in the first few years are easier to overcome if you work on them together.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
Physics lessons probably play a central role here. It is our job as physics teachers to design lessons that are relevant to real life and geared towards the interests of ALL students. It is equally important to strengthen the self-concept of our female students in particular. The scientific interests of many schoolgirls are still not sufficiently recognized and encouraged, and many parents do not even consider careers in science and technology for their daughters. We teachers can play a supporting role here by getting as many schoolgirls as possible interested in science and boosting their self-confidence that they can achieve good results in this subject.
Susanne Neumann is deputy chair of the ÖPG working group "Physics and Schools (LHS)".
March 2024
Birgitta Schultze-Bernhardt, University Professor of Experimental Physics at Graz University of Technology
About myself and my work
My research focuses on laser spectroscopy, in which I use light-matter interaction to characterize optical properties and physical processes in a wide variety of samples more precisely. In my research group "Coherent Sensing", we use frequency combs that allow high spectral and high temporal resolution. As part of an ERC Starting Grant, we are investigating ultrafast electron dynamics in light-induced processes. On the other hand, we are further developing our methods for atmospheric research via an FWF START project and recently observed the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the Graz city atmosphere in real time.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
The establishment of additional scientific positions, such as the women's career positions, also help to further increase the proportion of female scientists in physics. In general, additional offers should ensure more equal opportunities rather than a quota system that curtails existing structures and qualities. However, certain quotas can also be useful: In joint applications to the FWF, for example, one third of the consortium should belong to the underrepresented gender. This enables new collaborations with female colleagues who might not have been considered due to automatic mechanisms at the faculty. Academic performance should generally not be assessed in relation to age, but in relation to academic age. In this way, the qualifications of mothers or applicants who have had career breaks due to care or nursing periods are assessed more fairly.
From my experience with small children, I know that good and sufficient childcare is an essential prerequisite for being able to work seriously as a scientist with a family. A lot has happened in recent years in terms of reconciling science and family: while 9 years ago I was not allowed to attend a laser conference with a batch and a baby, childcare is now offered at some conferences. From time to time, there is no other option than to take your child to a meeting. In my case, I've only had positive experiences here - it was never a problem at the last three universities I worked at. Perhaps my experience can encourage a colleague to do the same if necessary or in an emergency - hopefully with similarly positive reactions.
Birgitta Schultze-Bernhardt has been a member of the Young Academy of the Austrian Academy of Sciences since 2021 (link). If you would like to find out more about her and her research, here is the link to the institute's website.
February 2024
Santa Pile, Postdoc at the Institute of Semiconductor and Solid State Physics, JKU Linz
About myself and my research
I am at the moment a principal investigator in an independent research project funded by FWF within the ESPRIT program (ESP 4). The focus of the project is put on a fundamental understanding of the dynamic magnetic properties of confined structures, as this is a prerequisite for the development of nanoscale magnonic (spin-wave based) computational devices. As a result of my PhD work it was shown that device’s geometry variation can possibly be used in order to manipulate spin waves. I continue to research that in more detail in the current project. Specifically, I investigate the influence of the device’s shape systematically using experimental and theoretical approach in order to be able to controllably excite and manipulate spin waves in confined structures using simple excitation scheme.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
It is a very difficult question, as if there is an issue with equal opportunities in physics, that is a consequence of the general inequality in our society. Gender inequality, for example, was formed over several generations, creating a lot of stereotypes and misperception among all genders, which are forced on us starting from a very young age. The task to have equal opportunities, not only for different genders, but as well for people with different physical abilities, of different nationalities and so on and so forth, is quite complex, and should be approached from a lot of angles. Thankfully, a lot is already done in this regard, especially in Austria. I really like, for example, gender studies course which is mandatory at our university. This course really helps to rise an awareness of the topic and makes one think.
What can be done exactly: I think of the highest priority is to change our perception and, when distributing those opportunities, prioritise professional qualities. When talking about the gender, for me personally, in the ideal case scenario, I would prefer if my gender is not emphasised or in any way noticed when at work/school/university, as it should not be relevant. When talking about other limiting factors, which could cause unequal opportunities, I would consider making our research and facilities as accessible as possible for a wider range of people.
If focusing on gender discrimination, here is one of the most obvious examples: at school I was kicked out of Informatics class, which was focused on programming, only because of my gender (the teacher was male). Nevertheless, I did manage to learn programming later on and wanted to study it further at the University, but by another, already female, teacher I was strongly advised against it, because of a harsh discrimination among programmers in the industry that she experienced. That is indeed only one obvious example, as there is a lot of other small things, when growing up and studying, which females experience and which can go unnoticed, but do influence our perception of ourselves. But I will not go into detail here, for that we, thankfully, have the gender studies 😀
Santa Pile is the chairperson of the workgroup Young Minds of the ÖPG (Link). If you would like to find out more about her and her research, here is the link to the institute's website.
January 2024
Karin Hain, Assistant Professor of Isotope Physics at the University of Vienna
About myself and my research
I’m an Assistant Professor in the Isotope Physics Group at the University of Vienna since August 2022. My strongly interdisciplinary research aims at identifying the dispersion pathways of long-lived radioisotopes which have been released into the environment by mankind. Suitable radioisotopes are to be used as markers to study effects of climate change. This requires further development of the ultra-sensitive detection technique of accelerator mass spectrometry which is available at the Vienna Environmental Research Accelerator (VERA) comprising the world-unique instrumentation for laser-ion-interaction.
What can be done to achieve more equal opportunities in physics?
In my opinion, planning job security must be considerably improved, especially for academia, so that it becomes possible to combine family planning and a scientific career. This includes increasing the availability of long-term career prospects, such as tenure track positions, but also more flexibility for temporary positions financed by third-party funds.
Based on my own experiences, I would like to appeal to society's responsibility to further establish an interest in natural sciences as part of young women's self-image and to actively encourage them in this. When I was at school, most of my female classmates were convinced that "girls can't do math (and physics) anyway". Fortunately, we are witnessing a gradual change here.
Karin Hain received the ÖPG's Fritz Kohlrausch Prize for Young Physicists in 2020. If you would like to find out more about her and her research, here is the link to the working group (headed by Prof. Golser).