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!

June 2025

Christine Maier, Quantum Engineer at Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT)

About myself and my research

Even as a child, I was fascinated by the natural sciences, the vastness of the universe, the formation of mountains, animals and plants; but most of all I was fascinated by the idea that there should be something so tiny that I can't see it in everyday life, but at the same time everything is made of it - atoms! At the University of Innsbruck I learnt more about atoms, quarks, electrons and quanta. It soon became clear that quantum physics was going to be my specialism and so I finally completed my doctoral studies in the research group of Prof. Rainer Blatt and Dr Christian Roos at IQOQI Innsbruck. My dissertation focused on setting up, conducting and analysing experiments on a quantum simulator with up to 20 calcium ions in a linear Paul trap, as well as on methods for characterising the states of large quantum systems.

Since 2020, I have been working as a quantum engineer at AQT (Alpine Quantum Technologies) in Innsbruck, building, maintaining and optimising - how could it be otherwise - quantum computers.

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

I think the first step needs to be taken at an early age: namely to encourage children's innate curiosity about nature and technology, regardless of their gender. By this I mean, for example, providing or motivating an introduction to technical toys, reading out nature-related, scientific children's books and small home experiments. This would at least give all children the same opportunity to see engaging with science as a natural, everyday thing and to consolidate their potential interest in it.

The next step is to ensure that young women do not suppress their scientific curiosity due to stigmatisation and ‘fear of stepping out of line’. An important tool for this is certainly the better visualisation of role models such as female physics teachers and active female physicists in industry and research.

Finally, equal opportunities must be ensured in everyday working life, both in academia and in industry. An appeal must be made to employers and politicians, on the one hand with regard to the fair allocation of jobs and on the other hand with regard to better opportunities to combine family planning and a career.

If you would like to find out more about Christine Maier and her work, here is the link to an article about her dissertation (only available in German), here is an article about the dissertation prize she was awarded and here is the link to the AQT website: https://www.aqt.eu/