Sarah Embacher

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