The final spotlight in our series features Professor Silke Ospelkaus, spokesperson of our Cluster. Her research extends quantum control from atoms to molecules and makes increasingly complex quantum systems accessible at ultracold temperatures. Her work with ultracold polar molecules, controlled collisions, and chemistry opens new avenues for many-body physics and quantum simulation.
Recognition, support, and role models
Looking back, Silke emphasises how much has changed for the better in recent years. Equality in science has advanced significantly, and supportive environments, strong mentors, and visible role models have played an important part in that progress. For her own path, explicit recognition from mentors was especially important.
Shaping experiences
When Silke was a student, physics was still a field with very few women, especially in Germany. What shaped her path most, however, were positive influences: mentors, collaborators, and role models who encouraged her to aim high. Deborah Jin, in particular, supported her scientifically and personally and urged her to apply for tenure-track positions at leading universities rather than simply taking the next available step.
Individual moments
Silke also recalls moments in which she felt she was treated differently as a woman. One example took place during an oral exam, when she struggled to open a very heavy door and was met with an inappropriate remark. Today, she regards these incidents as individual experiences rather than as representative of the many supportive academic environments in which she has worked.
Belonging and what matters
A sense of belonging in academia, she says, grows from curiosity, from doing ambitious science together, and from the trust of a strong team. Excellent research groups, generous collaborators, mentors such as Klaus Sengstock, Deborah Jin and Jun Ye, and international networks across atomic, molecular, and quantum physics have all made an important difference.
What still needs to improve
Asked about today’s challenges for women in science, Silke points above all to the limited predictability of academic careers, especially at early stages. She also notes that women and men sometimes differ in how strongly they present and promote themselves, which can influence who is perceived as suited for leadership roles. For her, one of the most important steps forward would be genuine tenure-track structures that offer earlier and more reliable career planning.
We are proud to have Silke Ospelkaus in QuantumFrontiers – pushing the boundaries of quantum control and helping to shape a research culture in which excellence, support, and opportunity continue to grow together.
#PushingTheBoundaries
In our #PushingTheBoundaries series, we highlight our female QuantumFrontiers professors and draw attention to the challenges women face in male-dominated fields such as physics and engineering. Between International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February and International Women's Day on 8 March, we explore how women shape the field through their expertise, and discuss the changes we wish to drive forward.
