Conveners
Physics@Work II
- Sandra Wolff
After completing my degree in medical biophysics at RPTU Kaiserslautern, I joined LAHA – Laser Hearing Aids, a research transfer project with the goal of developing a laser-based hearing aid and founding a startup.
In my talk, I will share what it is like to work at the intersection of fundamental research and company building and how a biophysics degree prepares you for some of it – and...
Looking back on my career, I can say that at the beginning I was not expected to be where I am now. Each stage - from university studies in materials science and engineering, doctoral research in metallurgical physics, and to industry work in cryogenics and quantum computing grew from opportunities, curiosity, and skills developed in the previous stages. My teachers, supervisors and colleagues...
A traditional physics degree equips researchers with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve fundamental problems across a diverse range of fields, including quantum mechanics, optics, astrophysics, and solid state physics. However, many real-life problems cannot be solved by hand and must be recast into a format that can be processed by a computer. With rapid advancements in...
This contribution offers a personal account of the transition from academic physics research to industry. I share my experience of moving into consulting, where I currently work on risk management for financial institutions, an interdisciplinary field that has gained particular relevance in today’s environment of geopolitical uncertainty and volatile international markets.
The talk reflects...
In this talk, I will explore the often nonlinear nature of careers in physics, challenging the traditional notion of a single, predefined professional trajectory. Drawing from my own experiences moving between academia and industry, I will highlight how unexpected opportunities, personal decisions, and changing priorities have influenced my career path.
Through candid reflections on...
