Sep 20 – 25, 2026
University of Graz
Europe/Vienna timezone

Physics Needs Everyone: The atom*innen platform as a Tool for Equity and Change

Sep 22, 2026, 5:00 PM
30m
HS 15.02 (University of Graz)

HS 15.02

University of Graz

15 - RESOWI C, ground floor
4) Invited talk AKCP: Equal Opportunities in Physics Parallel

Speaker

Dr Karoline Irschara (Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation, Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Innsbruck)

Description

In Europe, the average representation of women in physics remains strikingly low – a challenge that physics shares with other STEM subjects. According to Eurostat, the proportion of female bachelor's degree students in physics has barely changed since 2015, remaining at around 30%. The gender imbalance becomes particularly evident at senior levels: in Austria, for example, women hold only around 13% of physics professorships, similar to the situation in Germany where the figure is around 12%.
While the need for greater inclusion is widely acknowledged, translating this awareness into concrete action remains a major challenge. In this talk, I will examine gender representation in physics in Austria and across Europe, and present atom*innen, an interactive platform designed to connect and support women and gender minorities in quantum physics. I will outline the motivation, goals, and activities behind the platform, and discuss how it can serve as an open space where members can connect, collaborate, and drive change together.

Author

Dr Karoline Irschara (Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation, Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Innsbruck)

Presentation materials

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