Isotope Physics and Optical Metrology
After a welcome from Brigitte Bischof, Diversity Coordinator of the Faculty and co-organizer of the activity, and an introduction of the two groups, the participating girls had the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves and their motivation for visiting the Faculty of Physics, as well as their interests and expectations for the day.
Katharina Westreicher kicked things off with an introduction what "optical metrology" actually means and what the scientists in this group are working on. Then PhD student Tom Jungnickel gave a laser lab-tour where he showed the girls a setup of a current experiment and allowed them to get the full working lab experience by equipping them with lab coats, goggles and overshoes for their "dirty" street shoes. The next station was a new laser-laboratory equipped with a laser table, where postdocs Monika Bahl and Mirela Encheva and some hands-on experiments were waiting for the girls. The Daughters’ Day students then had the chance to adjust optical equipment and learn about some basics of optical phenomena using an experimental setup. As our postdocs only speak English, the girls also had the chance of practicing their foreign language skills. Although the exchange worked well even without translation, support by colleagues Tom Jungnickel, Timo Gaßen and Katharina Westreicher was available.
We then moved from Boltzmanngasse to Währinger Straße 17, where a large particle accelerator, the Vienna Environmental Research Accelerator (VERA), is located. A joint early lunch gave the girls the opportunity to chat informally with the researchers from the two groups. After the break, Steffi Adler, a PhD student in isotope physics, gave a short intro to the group’s work field and applications of a particle accelerator. Steffi and another isotope physics PhD student, Alexander Wieser, guided the group through the VERA facility. There the girls were again given the chance to do an experiment themselves by optimising an ion beam.
At the end of the event, there was the final opportunity to chat about training, studying and career opportunities, which the girls took full advantage of. The feedback from the girls on our offer for the Vienna Daughters' Day was resoundingly positive. Here is our favourite quote of the day from one girl: "I have been to lots of Vienna Daughters' Day events, but this one was the best!" So, it was a fun day for everyone – the girls and the scientists! We are all grateful for the opportunity to introduce young students to experimental physics, and we look forward to doing so again at the next event. We've all got the date in our diaries: 23 April 2026 for the next Wiener Töchtertag!
Nanomagnetism and Magnonics
On April 25, the NanoMag welcomed a group of curious high-school students for a half-day immersion into the world of physics and research, blending hands-on experiments, lab tours, and inspiring conversations with researchers.
The day began with an introduction to the dynamic lives of scientists. Kristina Davidková, a PhD student, shared her journey through academia, demystifying the daily challenges and triumphs of research. Postdoctoral researcher Khrystyna Levchenko followed, offering insights into her transition from student to professional scientist. The session culminated with a presentation by Prof. Sofia Kantorovich from the Computational and Soft Matter Physics research group, who captivated the group with a live demonstration of ferrofluids—nanoparticle-laced liquids that dance under magnetic fields. The girls experimented with these materials, learning how they’re used in cutting-edge medical applications, such as targeted drug delivery.
The event gained added significance by a visit from Saya Ahmad, district head of Alsergrund, who was welcomed by Prof. Stefan Fredenhagen, Dean of the Faculty. Mrs. Ahmad engaged with the girls during demonstrations and followed the explanations of our scientists attentively.
The girls then explored NanoMag’s latest innovations. PhD student Fabian Majcen showcased an inverse-design pachinko machine, a playful demonstration of computational optimization. Meanwhile, senior scientist Franz Vilsmeier brought superconductivity to life with a levitating train model cooled by liquid nitrogen.
Guided by the NanoMag scientists, the group toured state-of-the-art labs where our research takes place. The day closed with an informal pizza lunch, where conversations flowed freely between the girls and researchers.
As NanoMag’s first participation in Wiener Töchtertag, the event marked a resounding success. By exposing young women to role models, real-world applications, and the thrill of discovery, we are committed to igniting a lasting interest in STEM fields.
