SUPERLASER Celebrates Female Leadership in Addressing Global Challenges

February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a celebration dedicated to recognising the vital contributions of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year’s theme, "Charting Progress to Shape the Future: The Best is Yet to Come", highlights the transformative role of female leadership in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.

This year's theme is exemplified exceptionally well by the SUPERLASER project. Not only is the project coordinated by Dr Maria Vasilopoulou, we also have an additional female work package leader: Dr Katherine Inzani. SUPERLASER highlights the critical role women play in advancing innovative, sustainable solutions. The project focuses on developing ultrafast laser systems designed to reduce environmental impact while enhancing efficiency in industrial and quantum applications. By combining technological excellence with sustainability goals, SUPERLASER stands as a testament to how women leaders are shaping a new era of science-driven progress. This synergy reinforces the importance of empowering women in STEM to drive initiatives that benefit both society and the planet. The consortium is honored to be led by such extraordinary women.

At the occasion of this years‘ Women and Girls in Science Day we had the occasion of speaking with Dr Katherine Inzani, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science of the University of Nottingham and work package leader for WP2: Perovskite Phase Transitions. This work package will provide materials insights and predictions to enable fabrication of highly precise and efficient lasers with low environmental impact.

Please introduce yourself and tell us your research focus and expertise.

I research quantum materials, which have complex and sometimes unexpected electronic, optical and magnetic behaviours. I do this by running simulations on a supercomputer, which allows us to look at what individual atoms are doing more easily than in a lab. From simulations we can understand why materials behave as they do and use this knowledge to design materials with new and improved properties. Some of these materials are needed for microelectronics, lasers, quantum computers and even dark matter detectors. Exotic quantum properties can even inspire completely new applications.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science, specifically in your field of research?

I have always enjoyed finding out why materials behave as they do, or “why stuff does stuff”. The deeper you get into uncovering mechanisms down to the behaviour of individual atoms, the more interesting the challenge. Most of my day-to-day research feels like solving a puzzle. I love that materials science is interdisciplinary by nature. Physicists, chemists, engineers or computer scientists will approach a materials challenge differently, and combining alternative perspectives can lead to the most exciting innovations.

Have you ever faced challenges related to the fact that you are a woman?

One of the challenges is in how you are perceived. Statements that would be taken as direct from a man are sometimes seen as rude or aggressive from a woman. Otherwise, an underestimation of your abilities can lead to your ideas or advice being disregarded. I have mainly experienced this with students rather than academic peers, so I believe that people can grow out of their preconceptions by working together.

What is necessary to motivate more young women to pursue careers in science?

Highlighting the groundbreaking research being led by women scientists currently.

How do you see your role as a female researcher influencing the next generation of women and girls in STEM?

Having diverse voices makes for better science and technology. We must celebrate our differences whilst recognising the inequalities and disadvantages that women and girls are faced with. I see my role as encouraging the next generation of researchers to continue these discussions, to think about what kind of scientific community they want to work in and to recognise that they have a vital role in shaping that future.