Interview – The winner of the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Award, the German Chemist, makes a revolution on the material. His discoveries pave the way for the main innovations for energy transition.
On June 12, at the UNESCO headquarters, Professor Claudia Felser received the L’Oréal-UNESCO International Award for Women and Science, one of the most prestigious scientific versions in the world. This 63-year-old German chemist is now a global report in Dresden the physics of the substance of the “Max-Planck.” What is the physics branch that studies the properties of materials in their “condensed” states, that is, mostly solids, liquids, and intermediate forms such as liquid crystals or soft matter. Basterially, it is the physicism of the things we can touch around us. Metals, plastic, glass, biological tissues, etc. Innovations that can be well transformed our approach to energy and electronics. Interviewer:
MEDIME FIGARO .- With a few words you can explain to us. What is your research?
Claudia Felser .- My research focuses on the study of topographic quantum materials (:that areolate their volumes and drivers on their surfaces, NLDR) That classic categories escape, such as metals or ceramics. These materials have unusual quantum properties that can open new opportunities in areas such as catalysts, electronics and energy technologies. We only begin to understand their full potential.
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Your work on topographic materials has opened new prospects in physics of condensed material. For the common community, all this remains a very abstract. What are these materials and why are they revolutionary?
Topographic quantum materials behave so that they go out of classic physics. Imagine electrons such as cars. In the usual materials they crawl into traffic jams. In topographs, they are circulating on the highway, or can even be removed or taken a few ways. This behavior allows you to create new types of catalysts, more efficient electronics and energy innovative solutions. In the same way, the plastic industry can transform topographic materials into the 21st place.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO award notes not only scientific excellence, but also the role of women in science. How do you perceive women’s place in your discipline today?
The representation of the women’s (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has improved, but remains limited, especially in government positions. We always face structural obstacles and unconscious bias. However, more young women enter the field, and such initiatives such as mentoring, supporting networks and institutional reforms, help open the form. It is obvious that it is more dynamic over justice, but it is necessary to make it necessary.
Have you encountered special obstacles as a woman in a lot of men? How did you find your place in the academic world?
Yes, there were definitely challenges. Especially at the beginning of my career when reconciling family life and scientific journey was less. For example, I became a mother during doctoral studies, which was once quite unusual. Despite everything, with the support of educators and colleagues, thanks to my persistence, I was able to continue my scientific path. Over time, I found my place to build my place in the classroom, contributing to institutional changes.
What advice would you give a young girl who is passionate about science, but who still hesitates to start?
Darkness If you want to discover and understand how the world works, science is one of the worst career. Don’t be afraid to break stereotypes or change the field, the most interesting promotions arise to match disciplines. Looking for mentors by building solid networks and leaves not to brake company’s expectations? The world needs a curious mind as yours.
What are the great scientific challenges that admire you today and that you still would like to study?
I am particularly admired by Kiralov, this asymmetry in nature, which extends from the molecular level to the structure of galaxies. Why do our body amino acids all have one kind of Kiru? Why is the universe made of material and not antimomen? It would be a dream to find the principle behind these mysteries. At the same time, I am deeply loyal to the development of quantum materials to meet urgent technology and environmental challenges.
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What role should science play in the current ecological and energy transition? Can it contribute to the materials you are working on?
Science should be at the heart of the ecological and energy transition. The materials we develop, such as COOs to reduce, efficient fuel cells and topographic semiconductor, can directly contribute to energy conversion and stable storage. These innovations can support a clean future and help you mitigate climate change. Science does not solve only problems. It gives you power to societies and protects our future.
Source: Le Figaro
