Diversity at the Department of Physics
In 2021, the Academic Association of Scientific Staff (AVETH), which represents the interests of non-faculty scientific staff at ETH Zurich, together with ETH Zurich's Equal Opportunities Office, have launched their Diversity Award for the first time. The aim of this initiative is to bring the topic of diversity in research into greater focus with the aim to improve research culture.
Members of the Department of Physics won the following prizes: First prize in the individual category went to Chiara Decaroli, doctoral student in Professor Jonathan Home's “Trapped Ion Quantum Information” group. The third group prize was won by “Phimale”, a committee of the Departments of Mathematics and Physics together with others. The Department of Physics at ETH Zurich congratulates them all warmly for their great voluntary commitment.
Networking as the basis for success
Chiara Decaroli has initiated several activities to make female researchers like her feel less alone in their work and everyday life. With her friend Parisa Khateri, she founded the “Hönggerberg Ladies Lunches”, a series of informal monthly lunch meetings, where female doctoral students and postdocs network and share their experiences.
Enriching diverse thinking
Decaroli is convinced that a diverse environment is a stronger, richer environment. She notes, “A diverse environment is not easy, many different, often conflicting needs have to be met at the same time. This requires a lot of understanding and patience. But the resulting advantages are worth the efforts. For example, I am enriched by different ways of thinking and problem solving, more balance and ultimately personal growth and a better understanding of life.”
NCCR Women Campaign
In 2020, Chiara Decaroli proposed a series of portraits of female researchers from all over Switzerland to Klara Berg, the coordinator of the NCCR QSIT. This eventually became the campaign of all Swiss “National Centres of Competence in Research” portraying female researchers – also with the aim of inspiring young people.
Female voice explains quantum computers
Not surprisingly, Decaroli also brings a female voice to the world of quantum physics in her outreach work. In one of her videos, a female scientist explains what it takes to build a quantum computer. The authenticity with which Decaroli involves women in the research discourse is also shown in the interview for the “World Quantum Day” 2021.
Peer mentoring programme for first-semester students
In her role as a peer mentor, Decaroli was assigned to two first-year physics students in September 2020. She supports them during their first year at ETH Zurich, discussing courses, how to approach exams, and how to maintain a healthy balance between their studies and private lives.
Phimale, a commission of the student organisation VMP
The third group prize was won by “Phimale”, a committee of the Departments of Mathematics and Physics together with others.
Coffee lectures
Among other events, the Phimale Commission also organises "Coffee Lectures" every semester. At the invitation of Phimale, professors from the departments of Mathematics and Physics present their personal experiences around equal opportunities / equality and answer questions. Exchanges at the ensuing aperitif and discussions provide a pleasant atmosphere for raising awareness among students, exchanging ideas amongst themselves, and showing how valuable the role model function of the lecturers can be. Register here.
Links
- Equal Opportunities at ETH Zurich
- About all AVETH Diversity Award Winners
- Mentoring for Female Students (D-PHYS)
- Trapped Ion Quantum Information Group
- Phimale Commission, VMP
- external page NCCR Woman Campaign
- external page Video Quantum Computer
- Quantum Day 2021 – Interview Talk
- external page SNF QSIT