The Grete Hermann Network
The Grete Hermann Network (GHN) embodies ctd.qmat’s commitment to diversity and equality in science. Founded to honor Grete Hermann (1901–1984) — a pioneering German mathematician, physicist, philosopher, and educator — the GHN connects women in condensed matter physics and related fields worldwide.
The GHN supports women scientists at all career stages, enhancing their visibility and professional growth through mentoring, exchange programs, and collaborative opportunities. Its events bring together leading women researchers in quantum physics from around the globe.
Key GHN activities include:
• Organizing regular scientific colloquia followed by internal network meetings
• Hosting multi-day, in-person gatherings every two years
• Supporting research visits to Würzburg or Dresden for collaboration
• Offering coaching and mentoring for women PhD students and postdocs at ctd.qmat
• Showcasing successful role models in physics to inspire girls and young women to pursue careers in science
GHN In-Person Meetings
The second GHN workshop took place at JMU Würzburg in 2025. One of the participants, Dr. J. Hannukainen (University of Cambridge), shared her experiences in Nature Physics Reviews, which were also featured in an accompanying editorial. The first in-person GHN workshop was held at JMU in 2023.
GHN Colloquium Series
Since the summer of 2020, GHN members have delivered 13 online scientific talks open to a broad audience, regardless of gender. In the second funding period, the series will continue with new contributions from women physicists presenting their latest research in condensed matter and quantum materials.
Celebrating Grete Hermann’s 121st Birthday
On March 2, 2022, we honored the 121st birthday of Grete Hermann – a pioneering mind in the philosophy of quantum physics and one of the first to bridge philosophy and quantum mechanics. A special workshop featured three talks exploring her life, her philosophical insights, and her work as a physicist. All talks were recorded — click the videos below to watch and discover more about this remarkable woman in science.
Grete Hermann – The Fascinating Life Story of a Versatile Woman (Dr. Alina Markova, TUD)
Grete Hermann: From Physics to Politics (Dr. Andrea Reichenberger, FernUniversität Hagen)
Grete Hermann and the Question of the Completeness of Quantum Theory (Prof. Thomas Filk, University of Freiburg)