Dr. Kathrin Wolfinger has been the new chairperson of the Liechtenstein Scientific Society (“Naturwissenschaftliches Forum”) since the beginning of 2023. She was designated unanimously as “president-elect” during the general meeting held on the International Day of Light in Vaduz last year. She succeeds Dr. Cyril Deicha, who as the  founder of  the Society, wished to pass on the job to a competent person from the younger generation.

Kathrin Wolfinger went to school in Liechtenstein. She  studied Physics in Basel (Switzerland) and   Melbourne (Australia) where she got her PhD at Swinburne University of Technology in 2014. Between 2010 and 2021 she was member of the Astronomical Society of Australia and a student representative in the Australian Telescope User’s Committee.

She worked as  research assistant  and senior data analyst in Melbourne and Berne. Since 2021 she is IAU National Astronomy Education Coordinator for Liechtenstein, she  teaches Physics and Computer Science in Vaduz, and is well integrated locally.

No doubt that under the sympathetic presidency of Dr. Wolfinger, our Society will continue to develop the collaboration with the EPS and the scientists all over the world.

Cyril Deicha congratulating Dr. Wolfinger on her election in Vaduz

Have you ever wondered how to start up a social media account? How can you start from zero, grow it, make it famous and attractive to others? As a Public Relations (PR) manager of Young Minds NKUA Section (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), that is currently the section with the most followers on Instagram, I would like to share my one-year experience in social media management and provide you with a guide to help you succeed your goal and see your followers grow rapidly.

First of all, it is necessary to find the right team, consisted of people who have a strong passion for the subject your account promotes. Your team should include people who can communicate and collaborate with each other, are productive and willing to work for the rising of the team.

In addition, you must stay in a weekly contact with your audience. To succeed this, it would be nice to upload two or three posts ,stories or quizzes every week, to have interaction with your followers and awaken their interest. In order to prepare all this content, you must share responsibilities to different team members.

To set an example , our team is a group of young physicists aiming to promote science to everyone regardless of their age or education level. As a result, we try to make our content as simple as we can so it can  be addressed to the general public and to keep in touch with our followers by answering any question or message they may send to our account.

Furthermore, we try to divide our subject into sections such as Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics, Environmental Physics , Condensed Matter Physics ,Electronic and Automation and each team member takes over to make a weekly post about one of these categories, while someone else comes up with questions for our weekly quiz, someone else informs about new technologies and a different person deals with graphic design.

As you may notice, we are lucky enough to have a large PR team who carry out all these requirements while at the same time are ready to materialize new ideas and check for any mistakes made. But the most important qualification of our team members is their devotion and team spirit! Do not forget that if you have passion and love for what you do nothing can go wrong!

• youngmindsnkua (Our Instagram account to take a look and support us)
• xrusa.avgerinou@gmail.com (Do not hesitate to contact me for further info)

2022 EPS Emmy Noether Distinction – Full Career

Monika RITSCH-MARTE obtained her PhD in Quantum Optics and, more specifically, on the generation and application of nonclassical states of light (so-called “squeezed light”) from the Waikato University in Hamilton, New Zealand, under the supervision of Dan F. Walls and Crispin Gardiner in 1988. She returned to Austria to pursue her career in a Post-Doctoral appointment, working with P. Zoller at the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Innsbruck. She enjoyed several short and intermediate length working visits at the University of Colorado in Boulder (USA), at the Università degli Studi de Milano (Italy), and at the Research Institute for Theoretical Physics of Helsinki (Finland). After completing her Habilitation at the University of Innsbruck in 1995, Monika Ritsch-Marte accepted the Chair of Biomedical Physics at the Medical University in Innsbruck in 1998, where she founded a Biomedical Optics group.

Monika Ritsch-Marte has contributed exceptionally to the development and application of microscopic methods and optical tweezers. Her research group has pioneered the use of spatial light modulators in the form of liquid-crystal displays to optical microscopy. Spatial light modulators allow rapid switching between different microscopy modalities (bright field, dark field, phase contrast) without the need for changing any hardware components. She has pioneered and developed the use of spiral phase contrast [1] using controllable vector beams [2], and, in particular, edge contrast enhancement based on holographic Fourier plane filtering of the microscopic image.

Monika Ritsch-Marte and her group also actively work in the field of non-linear microscopy, and have developed a non-scanning (wide-field) variant of the chemically-selective coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) technique.

With her group, Monika Ritsch-Marte currently develops methods of optical manipulation of ever-larger particles, among which the optical "macro-tweezers" system, a large volume dual-beam mirror trap, suitable to trap and guide swimming micro-organisms without inducing any optical damage.

Monika Ritsch-Marte and her colleague Stefan Bernet hold several patents (e.g. spiral-phase contrast microscopy or a diffractive Moiré lens with tuneable refraction index). Monika Ritsch-Marte is one of the world’s leading authorities on the control and use of structured beams for optical imaging, on the use of holographic techniques, and on the development of optical tweezers, in particular in the light of their application to the imaging and manipulation of living matter.

Monika Ritsch-Marte provided exceptional service to the community. Together with Claudia Draxl, she chaired a working group of the Austrian Academy of Sciences dedicated to the promotion of women in physics. Monika Ritsch-Marte was the first woman president of the Austrian Physical Society (ÖPG) from 2007 to 2008, and vice president of the ÖPG from 2009 to 2011 [3]. In 2008, on the occasion of the 130^th birthday of Lise Meitner, Monika Ritsch-Marte initiated, on behalf of the ÖPG, and in partnership with the DPG, the series of “Lise Meitner Lectures” [4]. This recurring event aims to present outstanding German and Austrian woman physicists to the broad public, with the aim of inciting young women to choose a scientific career, and to reduce ignorance about science and the scientific method. The Lise Meitner Lectures have been continuously held, every year, at the occasion of the yearly meetings of the DPG and of the ÖPG. Monika Ritsch-Marte has continuously been a member of the Lise-Meitner-Lectures project commission.

The Emmy Noether Distinction selection committee celebrates the remarkable wealth of Monika Ritsch-Marte’s scientific achievements over a very broad spectrum of optics and optical methods, applied to a very wide diversity of topics, including quantum physics, quantum optics, imaging, holography, instrumentation, and manipulation. Monika Ritsch-Marte’s contributions to the field of physics (optics) for life sciences are exceptional. In addition Monika Ritsch-Marte has worked steadfastly and untiringly for the recognition of women in physics and for the promotion of physics as a career choice for young women, in an environment where this commands resolve and continuous commitment.

2022 EPS Emmy Noether Distinction – Mid-career

Ilaria Zardo obtained her Ph.D. in physics from the Technical University of Munich (Technische Universität München – TUM) in Germany and University of Rome “La Sapienza” (Università di Roma  - “La Sapienza”) in Italy on the “Growth and Raman spectroscopy studies of gold-free catalyzed semiconductor nanowires” in October 2010 with a « summa cum laude » mention. Her advisors were Prof. Gerhard Abstreiter, Prof. Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, and Prof. P. Postorino. Ilaria Zardo subsequently continued to work with Prof. Abstreiter on a post-doctoral appointment at TUM, before moving to the Netherlands for a second post-doc at the Technical University of Eindhoven, where she worked with Prof. Erik P.A.M. Bakkers. Ilaria Zardo became an Assistant Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Basel in Switzerland in 2015, and secured an Associate Professorship in Experimental Physics at the Department of Physics in Basel in 2020.

Ilaria Zardo’s work has provides key new insights in the area of semiconductor nanostructures. In particular, Ilaria Zardo has made very substantial contributions to the understanding of polytypism, i.e. the possibility of a same material adopting different crystalline structures. This can arise as a result of, e.g. different growth conditions or methods, or of the material’s reduced physical dimensions: a material structure unstable in bulk form may be stable upon synthesis as a thin film, a nanorod or nanowire, or a nanoparticle. Thus, Ilaria Zardo was among the first to grow silicon in a hexagonal structure [5], and was the first to demonstrate, through the design of a novel and unique experimental set-up, that polytypism enables fundamentally new functional properties. For example, Gallium Phosphide GaP transforms into a direct bandgap semiconductor when crystallised in the wurtzite phase.  Key to her scientific success is Ilaria Zardo’s innovative use of Raman spectroscopy of nanowire systems, and the combination of theory and experiment to do so. She was the first to derive the optical selection rules for a range of III-V compounds such as GaAs, InAs and AlAs. She also predicted and experimentally confirmed which additional modes should be detected when the wurtzite phase appears instead of the common zinc blende. Ilaria Zardo introduced her insights into the field of thermal transport, demonstrating the ability to engineer phonons (i.e. crystal lattice vibration modes) in polytype nanowires, leading to the field of nanophononics, and enabling novel applications in thermal management, electronic devices (phonon circuits), and quantum computing.

Alongside her scientific research, Prof. Ilaria Zardo has, since her appointment at the University of Basel, continuously, consistently, and intensively engaged in many actions designed to stimulate the choice of a scientific career by young women. Ilaria Zardo recognized very early on that role modelling has to start at an early age. She engaged in high school events to promote mathematics, information science, natural science, and technology topics to girls (e.g. at the Tech Days of the Swiss Academies of Technical Sciences), and initialised and organised annual network events for young women on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Ilaria Zardo also works behind the scenes, e.g. to guarantee female representation in her university and internationally; she engages, in her personal time, in mentorship of young women seeking to build an academic career, efforts rewarded by the awards and appointments obtained by her students.

The Emmy Noether selection committee is deeply impressed by Ilaria Zardo’s excellence in all aspects: scientific impact, teaching, project management and coordination, project evaluation on the national and international level, support to the community, support and mentoring of women students from the high school to the university level, her engagement in stimulating young women to choose scientific careers, and her continuous dedication to scientific outreach. All the more remarkable considering her present career stage, Ilaria Zardo’s achievements set a shining example for all women striving to pursue a career in physics.

More info:

• EPS Emmy Noether Distinction
• Monika Ritsch-Marte Research Group
• Ilaria Zardo Research Group and  announce on the website nanoscience.unibas.ch
  

[1] https://scholar.google.at/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=attixk4AAAAJ&citation_for_view=attixk4AAAAJ:84Dmd_oSKgsC

Author: EUROfusion

The EPS is pleased to share news from EUROfusion, an Associate Member of our Society.

• Webinar 8 March: Toward an Arab Initiative for Fusion Energy: https://www.iter.org/of-interest/1152
  
• French tokamak WEST restarts after upgrade to test ITER wall materials: https://euro-fusion.org/eurofusion-news/west-restart/
  
• German fusion stellarator Wendelstein 7-X reaches a performance milestone: https://euro-fusion.org/member-news/wendelstein-7-x-reaches-milestone/
  
• EUROfusion stands in solidarity with colleagues in Ukraine: https://euro-fusion.org/eurofusion-news/eurofusion-stands-in-solidarity-with-research-in-ukraine/

Subscribe to Open (S2O)

Maths - the six S2O journals will continue to publish in open access in 2023. “We are grateful to the library community for their ongoing support of the S2O model and for recognizing its value in ensuring equitable open access to mathematics research.” Anne Ruimy, EDP Sciences.

Radioprotection – has adopted the S2O model and is now online-only. It is published on behalf of the Société Française de Radioprotection (SFRP). Articles address all aspects of radiological protection, including non-ionising as well as ionising radiation.

Astronomy & Astrophysics - over the last year, the core astronomy journals have moved or are moving towards open access under various models, which is a positive step for accessibility. A&A has opted for S2O which helps to make it a cost-effective publishing option for many authors (there are no article processing charges, APCs). More information.

Société Française de Physique 150^th anniversary – 2023 events

It is our pleasure to be involved in many of the events celebrating the SFP’s anniversary throughout 2023.

In April, we are proud to sponsor the International Physicists’ Tournament 2023 down the road at the École polytechnique in Palaiseau. Billed as a “physics world cup”, we are looking forward to lively battles between the undergraduate teams.

In May, the series of five Masterclasses on “Science publishing and Open Science” begins in Nice. The last chance to catch one of these sessions will be in Marseille in October, so we hope to see you there or along the way (Lyon, Grenoble and Strasbourg are also hosting).

Don’t forget our SFP anniversary books discount code - PHYS234 - valid until the end of June 2024! We are delighted to offer a 5% discount on EDP Sciences books in the following series: Savoirs Actuels / Une introduction à / Sciences & History / Enseignement Sup Physique.

News from the European Physical Journal (EPJ)

EPJ Scientific Advisory Committee

The Scientific Advisory Committee of the EPJ is delighted to welcome Professor Quentin Glorieux, as the new representative for the French Physical Society. Professor Glorieux researches “Optics through the prism of Quantum Gases” and is a self-avowed “Quantum Physicist, Trail runner and Mountain climber.”

EPJ poster prizes at the SFP Congrès Général

We are pleased to report that the EPJ is sponsoring two poster prizes at the SFP Congrès Général in July (in addition to the two EPL prizes already announced). We look forward to Professor Jean Daillant, Director General of the SOLEIL synchrotron and the SFP representative on the EPJ Steering Committee, awarding the prizes on Thursday 6 July for two of the best posters presented by young physicists.

EPJ D Atomic, Molecular, Optical and Plasma Physics – call for papers

New EPJ D topical issue: “Electron and Positron Interactions and Their Applications: a tribute to Professor Michael Brunger”. The Guest Editors invite contributions from contemporary research and applications across areas such as, atmospheric modelling, materials characterisation, medical science, biological imaging and chemical processing.

EPJ Web of Conferences – conference highlights

ISRD 17 – International Symposium on Reactor Dosimetry, Lausanne, Switzerland, May 21-26, 2023 – the open access proceedings include papers on “Experimental Techniques, Measurements and Monitoring”, “Calculational Methods”, “Reactor Surveillance, Plant Life Management and Decommissioning” and “Benchmarks and Inter-comparisons”.

11th European Summer School on Experimental Nuclear Astrophysics, Catania, Italy, June 12-19, 2022 - highlight themes included primordial nucleosynthesis, indirect methods, underground laboratories, radioactive ion beams facilities as well as stellar structure and evolution. Browse the open access proceedings here.

EPJ Applied Physics – topical issues

EPJ AP is currently publishing articles in two topical issues – “Advances in Renewable Energies, Materials and Technology” and “Amorphous alloys and multiscale materials: Fundamental aspects and Energy applications”. We hope you enjoy the recent articles.

EPJ Photovoltaics – topical issue

The special issue on “WCPEC-8: State of the Art and Developments in Photovoltaics”, edited by Alessandra Scognamiglio, Robert Kenny, Shuzi Hayase and Arno Smets, is now available. It includes papers on Modelling; Semiconductor Thin Films; High Efficiency Materials and Devices - New concepts; Optics of Thin Films, TCOs; Modules and Systems; Socio-economic impact.

Last, but not least…

Acta Acustica – acousticians are invited to read “Acta Acustica: State of art and achievements after 3 years”. In this Editorial, Manfred Kaltenbacher, Editor-in-Chief, and his team summarise the latest activities and achievements of the journal (such as Audio Articles) and key statistics.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications – we extend a very warm welcome to Dr. Silvia Soria, IFAC-CNR Institute of Applied Physics, Italy, in her new role of co-Editor-in-Chief. She joins Sergei Popov at the helm of JEOS-RP which is widely considered to be a leading European journal in the field of optics and photonics.