Women for quantum—manifesto of values
Women for Quantum, a group of female tenured quantum physics professors, have published in Communications Physics a Manifesto of values and goals they identify with. The Manifesto acknowledges the unsatisfactory current situation of women in quantum physics and aims to initiate a dialogue to reverse it and trigger new paths of doing research.
Data show that the presence of women in quantum science is affected by a number of detriments and their percentage decreases even further for higher positions. These facts, combined with shared personal experiences of uncomfortable environments for women, have prompted a group of female professors working in the field of AMO physics (quantum optics, atomic and molecular), quantum many-body physics, and quantum information to write a Manifesto of values and goals they identify with, as a first step to prompt a transformation in the field.
With this initiative, Women for Quantum, which includes ICREA Prof. at ICFO Leticia Tarruell and the recently appointed Head of Academic Affairs at ICFO, Prof. Verònica Ahufinger, call for a joint effort to contribute to such a change.
Published in Communications Physics, these values and goals are truly transversal, including trust, respect and diversity. “We believe that these values resonate with other members of our community, particularly those from underrepresented groups,” state the authors. “The change we seek will benefit the quantum ecosystem as a whole.”
Reference:
Beige, A., Predojević, A., Metelmann, A. et al. Women for quantum—manifesto of values. Commun Phys 8, 422 (2025).