Mainz 2026 – wissenschaftliches Programm
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PV: Plenarvorträge
PV III
PV III: Mittagsvortrag
Montag, 2. März 2026, 13:15–13:45, RW 1
Why Diversity Makes Better Physics — •Ulrike Boehm1 and •Karoline Irschara2 — 1Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, Germany — 2Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, Innsbruck, Austria
Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that diverse teams lead to increased creativity, productivity and innovation - a phenomenon that can be observed in both academic and industrial settings. However, substantial gender imbalances persist in physics: Although the number of women studying physics in Central Europe has grown steadily over the last years, they remain underrepresented at senior levels. In Germany, for example, women hold only 12% of physics professorships, which is clearly too low a proportion to constitute a critical mass.
This keynote will present recent data on gender representation in physics, examine the factors driving these disparities and explain why diversity is essential for the scientific community and beyond. We will showcase best practices and introduce atom*innen, a new interactive platform designed to support and connect women and gender minorities in quantum physics. We will conclude by outlining concrete measures to strengthen inclusion and equal opportunities throughout the physics community.
Keywords: Equal Opportunities; Women in Physics; Gender Balance; Inclusion; Diversity