The European Physical Society (EPS) is delighted to announce that the 2023 EPS Emmy Noether Distinction has been awarded to Lavinia Heisenberg and Gloria Platero. Congratulations!

 2023 EPS Emmy Noether Distinction - Mid-career

The EPS has decided to award the 2023 EPS Emmy Noether Distinction (mid-career) to Lavinia Heisenberg, professor at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, University of Heidelberg, Germany "for her fundamental contributions to gravitational physics and theoretical cosmology, for her engagement for women in science and her outstanding leadership".

Prof. Lavinia Heisenberg has achieved groundbreaking advancements in alternative gravitational theories, particularly in their cosmological applications. Her innovative geometrical studies have redefined the conventional understanding of General Relativity, offering new perspectives. More recently, she has made significant contributions to the study of black holes and gravitational waves.

She has been honoured with the prestigious Latsis Prize of ETH, the Buchalter Cosmology Prize, the Simons Emmy Noether Award of the Perimeter Institute, the Gustav-Hertz Prize of the German Physical Society, and the General Physics Prize of the Swiss Physical Society. She was also a finalist of the Art of Leadership Award (ALEA) 2023 of ETH and she is a recipient of ETH’s Diversity Award and the Empowering Women Award in Switzerland and more.

2023 EPS Emmy Noether Distinction - Full career

The EPS has decided to award the 2023 EPS Emmy Noether Distinction (full career) to Gloria Platero, research professor at the Materials Science Institute of Madrid of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), "in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the theoretical understanding of out-of-equilibrium (Floquet) systems and their impactful application to quantum materials, for her excellent mentorship of young researchers and for tirelessly fostering female talent in physics."

Prof. Gloria Platero studied Physics at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)  and received her PhD in Condensed Matter Physics there in 1984. After working as assistant professor in Madrid, she did her postdoc at the Max Planck Institute for high magnetic fields in Grenoble and then joined the Materials Science Institute of Madrid first as a postdoc, then as staff researcher. She progressed to Director of the Condensed Matter Theory Department and  she was also Honorary Professor at the UAM.  She was involved in several EU networks and was invited for research stays in different  international research centers. From 2017 till 2021 she was  Mercator Fellow at the University of Regensburg. She is Fellow of the APS (Quantum Information Division) and Secretary of the C8 Commission (Semiconductors) of the IUPAP. She will become Chair on January 2025.

Along the years, she has investigated  time periodic driven systems (a topic known as Floquet Engineering).  Her research, in the field of Quantum Nanotechnologies, focuses on the theory of spin qubits in quantum dot arrays, their manipulation and the transfer of quantum information.

Recently, she also investigates the role of  the topological edge states in low dimensional topological insulators for the transfer of quantum information with high fidelity.

More info:

FLTR: Monika Ritsche-Martke, Petra Rudolf and Ilaria Zardo - image credit: Gina Gunaratnam

Petra Rudolf, chair of the EPS Equal Opportunities Committee, and Gina Gunaratnam, EPS communication coordinator, interviewed Ilaria Zardo [IZ], from the Department of Physics, University of Basel (CH), and Monika Ritsch-Marte [MRM], from the of the Institute of Biomedical Physics, Dept. of Physiology & Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck (AT). They are laureates of the EPS Emmy Noether Distinction 2022.

Why did you choose physics?

IZ: I was interested in Greek, Latin and Philosophy. When I told my parents I wanted to study physics, it was a big surprise. Especially to my father who wondered why I had studied all these subjects to "end up" with sports (in Italian "physics" and "sports" is the same word).

MRM: I wanted to find a position in relation to Nature. I come from an academic family, so they encouraged me. But outside, I didn't get positive reactions. After having attended the Open Days in Innsbruck, I knew that I wanted to get a master's degree in sciences.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career and what difficulties did you encounter?

MRM: It is nice to have recognition from the community but the most rewarding is when I do active research, when I get results and I understand things from Nature.

In the 80s', women had to face difficult times. There were aggressive attitudes.  My younger brother and my husband are also scientists and they were offered positions while I didn't get one.

IZ: The most rewarding is when I first finish a project. When I realise that I found something. When I have gone through all the paths to get where I want to go and I reach it, this is a rewarding moment. It is also beautiful to see the same way of thinking/development in people you work with.

Difficulties: We are trained to be scientists but not to deal with people. You have a strong contact with your colleagues. You need trust and faith. This is very challenging.

Recommendations to encourage diversity

IZ: I am extremely happy to have a very diverse group: different countries, different backgrounds. I was motivated by a colleague who told me that you gain much more from someone who is different from you, who will have another approach to a problem.

MRM: Quotas are important to get women involved [in research groups] and I don't care about being called "Quotenfrau" ("quota woman" in German). It shouldn't be the aim but is a necessary measure to have more women. If they can do the job, they should be given the chance. 

Career and family

MRM: I married a colleague! So there was competition between us. It is difficult to get everything you want once you have a family. I consider it a "fermionic principle ": either you choose the field of research you are interested or the place where you want to live. You cannot have the two at the same time. My advice: be determined but flexible. And ask yourself the following: What is something I cannot live without?

In my case, I changed fields: from theoretical physics, I switched to medical physics.

IZ: "I am not a hero!" I have three children and my husband is also a physicist working in industry. I would advise to not pay attention to judgement. When asked about children, you can answer that your husband is never asked about them.

More info

• EPS Emmy Noether Distinction
  
• EPS Emmy Noether Distinction 2022 for Ilaria Zardo and Monika Ritsch-Marte
• Monika Ritsch-Marte Research Group
  
• Ilaria Zardo Research Group and  announce on the website nanoscience.unibas.ch

The European Physical Society launched the Emmy Noether Distinction to recognize noteworthy women physicists who have a strong connection to Europe through their nationality or work.

Emmy Noether, with her fundamental and revolutionary work in the abstract algebra and on conservation laws in theoretical physics, is an exceptional historical figure for all generations - past, present and future - of physicists.

The laureates of the Emmy Noether Distinction are chosen for their capacity to inspire the next generation of scientists, and especially encourage women to pursue a career in physics. Attribution criteria therefore focus on the candidate’s: 

• research achievements
• endeavours to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women in physics
• coordination of projects and management activity
• service to the scientific community and research administration

Nominators are encouraged to address these four points in their proposal.

Commencing 2022, the EPS Emmy Noether Distinction for Women in Physics is to be awarded once a year, to two distinguished women physicists. Namely, the Emmy Noether Distinction will be awarded to an early- and mid–career laureate, as well as to a more advanced candidate, as a Distinction for her full career.

To make a nomination,  apply via this site or submit the following documents to the EPS Secretariat:

• A cover letter, detailing (in no more than 3 paragraphs) the motivation for awarding the EPS Emmy Noether Distinction to the nominee;

• The nominee’s name, institution and email

• The nominee’s CV

• The nominator’s name, institution, and email

• Optional: No more than 3 support letters 

Download the distinction charter

Read more about the EPS Emmy Noether Distinction on the EPS website

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

The European Physical Society is happy to announce that the winter 2021 EPS Emmy Noether Distinction is awarded to:

María Pilar López Sancho,

Research Professor and researcher at the Instituto de Ciencias de Materiales de Madrid (ICMM) of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) on the Cantoblanco Campus near Madrid, Spain, “For her contributions to the understanding of the electronic structure of low-dimensional materials and in recognition of her continuous, tireless and successful actions for the empowerment of women in physics.”

Pilar López Sancho works in the Department of Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics at ICMM. She obtained her PhD from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 1979, and went on to work for CSIC at what is today the ICMM, where she remained till today. A theoretical physicist working in the field of condensed matter systems, Pilar made her first important contributions by developing a new and fast method for the calculation of bulk- and surface electronic Green’s functions and transfer matrices. It is a remarkable feat that this work remains of high actual value, being used by many groups around the world, and enjoying higher citations today than ever before, placing Pilar’s publications solidly in the “evergreen” class, and demonstrating Pilar’s insight and acuity for choosing relevant problems.

Pilar López Sancho went on to work to apply her methods to metallic interfaces and dilute magnetic semiconductors. However, her most significant contributions are on the electronic structure and transport properties of low-dimensional carbon systems. Pilar thus performed groundbreaking work on the effect of the Coulomb- and spin-orbit interaction on electronic localisation and spin-dependent transport in carbon nanotubes. Highly noticed and much-cited more recent work by Pilar concerned the induction of localised states and magnetism by different types of topological defects in graphene, and the effects of the spin-orbit interaction on electronic transport in single-layer and multilayer transition metal dichalcogenides.

Alongside this very successful scientific career, María Pilar López Sancho has pursued what can be called an impressive “second career” as a never-tiring advocate for women in physics. Starting from the mid nineteen-nineties, Pilar has been continuously active for the defence of women in physics, at all levels. In 2001, she is the co-founder of the Association of Women in Research and Technology AMIT[1], of which she becomes the President from 2009 to 2013. AMIT, a member organisation of the European Platform of Women Scientists, has grown to be a powerful association of women in all scientific disciplines and at all stages of their careers, and has more than 1000 members. Pilar is also the founder of the Women in Physics Group of the RSEF and was its Chair from 2002-2018.

In her institution, the CSIC, Pilar was at the origin of and lent priceless support to the creation of the CSIC Gender Equality Distinction. She has been delegate president of the Women and Science Commission of CSIC, the first institutional commission of this type created in Spain. Pilar has taken responsibilities in the Commission for Equality - launched to implement the plan of the General Spanish State Administration.

Pilar López Sancho performed large-scale research on position of women in science, published more than 30 articles, books, and conference papers on the topic, and presented dozens of lectures. As a recognised international expert on the matter, she has served on the Evaluation Committee for projects and grants financed by the European Commission in the programs "Monitoring Progress Towards Gender Equality (FP6)" (2005-2007) and "Meta-Analysis of Gender and Science Research" (FP7) (2008-2010). During the period 2015-2017, she was the Spanish Deputy in the Helsinki Group for Research and Innovation.

More info:

• web page about Pilar López Sancho
  
• EPS Emmy Noether Distinction