In the sixth and final video of the “Women in Science 2024” campaign, Aurélia Chenu brings up her fascination for the world of quantum physics, her inspirations and how she perceives her roles as professor, team leader and mother.
“Understanding the world. This is why I do physics.
My name is Aurélia Chenu and I am Professor in Physics at the University of Luxembourg.
At the end of my studies at the ENS Physique, in Grenoble, I felt I still didn’t know enough to understand. So I embarked on a PhD. First, I wanted to change the world and help solve the energy crisis. That brought me into the development of new generation nuclear reactors, so-called sodium cooled fast reactors. Then, I faced the reality of the political and economic world and decided to have fun doing just physics. Physics for the sake of understanding Nature.
I am an explorer. I love the freedom of deep diving. Down under, I can experience the infinite. In my research, I explore the infinitely small, the world of quantum physics. It’s fascinating we can write down the state of light, how photons look like and how they interact with matter.
I value beauty. I enjoy the beauty of nature, music, and art. In science, I consider a project is completed only when the result is beautiful.
In my research, I study the dynamics of quantum systems. For example, we can study the first step of photosynthesis, how a photon, when absorbed by a leaf, becomes an excitation that generates a charge transfer, from where the chemistry can start. This ultrafast process can be described by equations, that can predict experiments run in a laboratory.
I consider myself as a life-time student, I am also a mother and a professor. I lead a team of young researchers and I try to help them develop their own potential. I see myself as the captain of a boat embarking on uncharted territory: the journey of life. The only thing that I can do is making the boat strong and adaptable.
Life is a journey with many chapters, and a common theme: exploration. So don’t ever hesitate to explore what is interesting to you!”
‟ Ce qui se conçoit bien s’énonce clairement, et les mots pour le dire viennent facilement.”
(What is well understood is clearly stated, and the words to say it come easily.)