Wolfson Women in Science: Chiara Marletto
This week, we celebrate Wolfson’s Women in Science. To mark British Science Week and International Women’s Day, we are sharing the stories of 5 female members of Wolfson’s scientific community who are making incredible contributions to their academic fields.
Chiara Marletto is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at the Department of Physics and Research Fellow at Wolfson College, Oxford. She is an active member of the Quantum Cluster and of the New Frontiers Quantum Hub. Her research is in theoretical physics, with special emphasis on Quantum Theory of Computation, Information Theory, Thermodynamics, Condensed-Matter Physics and Quantum Biology. Some of her recent research has harnessed a recently proposed generalisation of the quantum theory of information – Constructor Theory — to address issues at the foundations of the theory of control and causation in physics.
Chiara, tell us more about your research.
My research focuses on the foundations of physics, especially quantum physics. I have harnessed a novel approach called “constructor theory”, which I pioneered with David Deutsch. Instead of describing what happens with trajectories and laws of motion, in constructor theory we ask which physical transformations are possible or impossible. This shift allows us to connect quantum theory, information theory, thermodynamics, and even the physics of life under a unified perspective, within fundamental physics.
What inspired you to pursue a career in your specific field?
I was drawn to physics by my love for explanations that go deeper than most accounts of reality. What motivates me today is the sense that fundamental physics is brimming with exciting problems. There are profound gaps in our understanding, and participating in working out their solution is intellectually thrilling and deeply meaningful.
What advice would you give to young women interested in pursuing a career in physics?
If you are fascinated by bold, deep, far-reaching questions, just pursue them regardless of what seems to be the fashion or what the majority of people do in the field. Choose problems that genuinely excite you, following playfulness and delight. This passion will sustain you through the inevitable challenges.
Don’t be scared by mistakes! They are key to learning and to making tentative progress.
What does the Wolfson community mean to you?
Wolfson’s international, family-oriented and welcoming atmosphere make it a particularly stimulating and friendly place. It is an interdisciplinary community that allows one to grow many interests besides the particular academic subject one is working on. I love that it is in one of the quietest and leafiest areas of Oxford, providing a perfect environment to wind down, think and relax.
