In 2022, Catalina Curceanu from the Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati of INFN gave a brilliant interview on the potential links between quantum sciences and consciousness. For International Day for Women & Girls in Science 2025, Catalina shares her thoughts and hopes on the progress and future challenges
Could you tell us about a defining moment or milestone for women in science since we last interviewed you?
There hasn’t been a single defining moment; instead, progress has been a gradual, steady process—one that exhibits immense diversity across the globe. While we’ve witnessed inspiring achievements, such as women receiving Nobel Prizes in fields like physics (although still too few), other parts of the world present a stark contrast. Globally, gender disparities in access to education persist, limiting women's right to learn. These contrasting realities remind us of the lights and shadows that have marked the last decade for women in science. Disparities persist at multiple levels, often subtle but no less impactful. Recognizing and addressing these inequities remain critical as we move forward. True progress will come when women everywhere are empowered to contribute to science on equal footing, free from systemic and cultural barriers.
What excites you about the future for women in your field?
What excites me most is envisioning a future where the term “women in science” becomes obsolete because the field will have achieved genuine equality. In such a future, we will celebrate all scientists for their contributions, regardless of gender. The challenges ahead are vast and exciting. In my field, these include unraveling the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, understanding the black holes, and tackling the quantum measurement problem (yes, the famous Schroedinger cat) —all of which require diverse perspectives and collaborative efforts.
However, we’re not there yet. To reach this ideal future, we must continue climbing the ladder of equality. This involves addressing structural barriers, such as providing better support systems for women in science, and advocating for broader societal changes that empower women across all sectors. These changes will ultimately benefit everyone, including aspiring female scientists who face unique challenges.
What particularly excites me is witnessing women’s voices growing stronger and their participation becoming more prominent, at least in some parts of the world. I want to believe that we are approaching a time when gender parity in science feels within reach, at least in some contexts. I eagerly await the day when no distinction is made, and celebrating women in science becomes as redundant as celebrating men in science.
Image Credit: Catalina Curceanu
What advice would you offer to the next generation of female scientists?
Believe in your inner voice—the one that first sparked your curiosity and made you feel that science is something extraordinary, something you could be part of. Don’t let anyone silence that voice. Whether it’s family, teachers, or peers telling you that science isn’t for you, know that they are wrong. Science is for anyone with the curiosity and determination to explore the wonders of the Universe and our place within it.
Be confident in yourself, work hard, and don’t fear failure. Science is full of trial and error, and every setback is a stepping stone to discovery, to wonder. The path isn’t always smooth, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are immense. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire and support you, and never hesitate to seek help or guidance when needed.
Finally, while pursuing your own dreams, remember the importance of raising your voice for others—especially for girls and women in parts of the world where they are denied the opportunity to study. Advocacy and solidarity are essential to building a future where science truly becomes an adventure shared equally by all of humankind. Together, we can ensure that science remains a collective endeavor, enriched by the diverse contributions of everyone who dares to dream and discover.
About the Speaker
Catalina Curceanu was born in Transilvania, near Dracula’s castle. She obtained her Ph.D. in physics from the Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering of Bucharest, Romania, with a Ph.D. thesis dedicated to the study of exotic mesons within the OBELIX experiment at CERN. She is a Senior Researcher at Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati (LNF), INFN, Italy, where she is leading a group of researchers performing advanced experiments in nuclear physics and quantum mechanics. Catalina is the spokesperson of the SIDDHARTA-2 (spectroscopy of kaonic atoms) and VIP2 (experimental test on the Pauli Exclusion Principle violation by electrons and of the collapse models) collaborations and the author of more than 400 peer-reviewed articles. She won several awards and prizes, among which awards from the John Templeton Foundation and from the Foundational Question Institute (FQXi) for projects on quantum mechanics, the 2017 Emmy Noether prize from the European Physical Society, and the 2019 Betty Moore Foundation Fundamental Physics Innovation Award. In 2018 she was awarded the Order "Cultural Merit" in the rank of Knight by the President of Romania, for her significant contribution to exact sciences, who have climbed the ladder, through dedication and professionalism to the élite of the relevant international research.
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