News

Last week, we had a lot of fun at our group event, which brought together all our group members, friends and family, current visitors, and former group members. We enjoyed delicious food from the grill and an exciting ping-pong tournament with more than 20 participants. This year’s well-deserved winner is Leonardo!

Elena Poli, a former PhD student in the theory department of our research group, received the IQOQI Dissertation Prize 2025. The prize, worth EUR 1.000, has been awarded since 2013 as a recognition for outstanding scientific achievements in the field of quantum physics. We warmly congratulate Elena Poli on her success!

In her dissertation, Elena Poli characterizes the dual-nature of supersolids – paradoxical quantum systems in which crystalline order coexists with superfluid flow. These states could be realized in the context of ultracold dipolar gases, a field in which the research group of Prof. Francesca Ferlaino is at the forefront.

The work presented in the dissertation is primarily based on numerical simulations, complemented by close collaboration with experimentalists, within the local theory–experiment environment. Elena Poli developed theoretical approaches to identify clear signatures of both solid and superfluid behaviour in two-dimensional dipolar supersolids, focusing in particular on the emergence of a finite shear modulus and the nucleation of quantized vortices. Finally, she demonstrated how these systems can serve as quantum simulators of neutron star glitches, linking vortex dynamics in dipolar supersolids to astrophysical phenomena. Her work not only advances current research in low-temperature quantum physics but also establishes an important interdisciplinary bridge with astrophysics, marking significant progress toward the quantum simulation of stellar objects from Earth.

Read the full article here.

The Tyrolean provincial government has awarded Francesca Ferlaino the Tyrolean Order of the Eagle in Gold.

Established by the Tyrolean State Parliament in 1970, the Tyrolean Order of the Eagle recognizes individuals whose connection with Tyrol is of particular political, economic, scientific, or cultural significance. “Over the years, the honorees have left their mark on Tyrol—in business, science, politics, and society. Their career paths could not be more different, and yet they are united by their commitment to our state,” said Tyrolean Governor Anton Mattle at the award ceremony.

Francesca Ferlaino has lived in Tyrol for 20 years and has firmly established her roots here. Reflecting on her decision to move to Tyrol, she said: “It was clear to me: if I want to learn new techniques and conduct research at the highest level, then this is the place.”

We warmly congratulate Francesca Ferlaino on this special recognition!

Read the full article here.

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 18:30, the RadioCafe hosts an inspiring talk with Francesca Ferlaino. The discussion will be moderated by Elke Ziegler, head of ORF’s multimedia science division, who will guide the conversation through Ferlaino’s work, career, and insights into the future of quantum research.

More information and tickets can be found here: https://radiokulturhaus.orf.at/artikel/727597/Frauen-forschen-Francesca-Ferlaino

We are excited to announce that Francesca was elected a full member of the Academy’s Mathematical and Natural Sciences Class. She has been a corresponding member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences since 2021.

In this year’s elections, the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) elected 29 female and 17 male researchers in March. For the Academy, this year’s elections mark a turning point: for the first time in its history, women make up the majority of members under the age of 60.

🙌 We successfully concluded the TIQIT – Trento-Innsbruck Quantum Information Tour, which took place from 22–28 February and brought together 40 Bachelor’s and Master’s students for an exciting week of learning and exchange between Innsbruck and Trento.
🔎 The program focused on the topics Bose–Einstein Condensation, Nanoscience, Quantum Optics, and Quantum Information. Throughout the week, participants attended a series of lectures, lab tours, and social events, gaining valuable insight into the research and academic environment in both cities.
👩‍🎓 A highlight of the tour was the opportunity for students to meet and interact with PhD researchers, offering a first-hand perspective on research paths in quantum science.
🙏 A big thank you to our partners who made this experience possible: Universität Innsbruck, Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation (IQOQI) in Innsbruck , Università di Trento, and Euregio Tirol–Südtirol–Trentino.