“The Bachelor’s in Physics at the 8xav福利导航 of Luxembourg offers a comprehensive foundation in both Physics and Mathematics, making it an excellent choice for students planning to pursue a master鈥檚 degree. One of the aspects I appreciated most was the small class sizes, as they created a more personalised learning format and allow for greater interaction with professors and peers.

What I found particularly valuable was the programme’s broad curriculum. Rather than focusing too early on a specific field, I had the opportunity to explore different areas of physics, which helped me better understand my interests and choose a direction for my future studies and career.

Another aspect I appreciated was the multilingual nature of the programme. While most courses in the later years are conducted in English, French is frequently used, especially in mathematics courses. This linguistic diversity not only enhances the educational experience but also prepares you for international academic and professional environments. 

Overall, I found the Bachelor’s in Physics both challenging and rewarding. It gives students a versatile set of skills and opens up many possibilities, whether continuing with a master’s degree in physics or entering the workforce. “

Why did you join the Bachelor in Physics? 

I expected classes to be rather small, from which I promised myself that I would be treated like an individual with needs and concerns in contrast to programs with participant numbers in the ball park of 500, where each student is treated merely as a statistical object with the half-life of a few weeks up to a semester. In addition, I was sure that the transition from my secondary education degree (obtained in Luxembourg) into the BSc program would happen smoothly and seamlessly, unlike for universities in other countries which have to accommodate for their respective local secondary education curricula. Furthermore, I was confident that the 8xav福利导航 of Luxembourg would offer a more modern and more contemporary approach to physics than historically more renowned universities would. I came to that conclusion, as the 8xav福利导航 of Luxembourg is a very young institution, yet doing very well (in particular within the 鈥橠epartment of Physics and Materials Science鈥�), both by virtue of cutting-edge and highly acclaimed research and in terms of university ranking metrics.

What did you like most? Any anecdote?

the program is very well constructed: The laboratory, experimental, theoretical, and mathematical course lines form the quaternary backbone of any holistic physics education. These are complemented by more specific lectures (like Particle Physics or Continuum Mechanics) deep diving into topics related directly to current research and modern endeavors in physics. Moreover, a multitude of elective courses allow students to acquire additional skills (like numerics, didactics, or stochastic) according to their individual likings and qualities.

What are you pursuing currently?

I moved to Munich to attend the 鈥橢lite Master Program 鈥漈heoretical and Mathematical Physics鈥濃�� (TMP). TMP is a cooperative study program by the 鈥橪udwig-Maximilians-8xav福利导航 Munich鈥�, the 鈥橳echnical 8xav福利导航 Munich, and the 鈥橢lite Network of Bavaria鈥�, that is in addition tightly interwoven with other institutions in the 鈥橫unich Quantum Valley鈥�, like the 鈥橫ax-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics鈥�. The program is very flexible so that I have the freedom to focus on my main interests: Topological order, Quantum field theories, and Quantum many-body physics.

“The programme is highly diversified, giving a solid foundation in experimental and theoretical physics. Since physics is an interesting but challenging field of study, the great advantage here is the limited number of students in a course, which makes it possible for students to ask whatever question at any time and discuss it with the professor until everything is clear. Since the 8xav福利导航 is rather small, even the Bachelor students can talk with members of the different research groups and get a glimpse at current research projects.鈥�

The programme covers a broad range of physics courses, experimental or theoretical ones, classical or quantum physics, as well as some interdisciplinary ones. This sets a very good basis for anyone wishing to pursue a master鈥檚 degree afterwards, which is the path most choose. 

A great perk of the university in general, especially in a specialised field like physics, is the small size of classes. Students are not just one among many, they are known within the department. You are actively working with the professors and lectures feel much more personal. For me, this study environment was really helpful and made me enjoy physics even more, even when courses became challenging, which will happen regardless of the university you study at.

For me, the highlight of the programme is the bachelor鈥檚 thesis. Students spend an entire semester working on their thesis project in one of the research groups of the department, gaining hands-on experience of what research is really like. Compared to other universities, where your thesis work might barely take 3 weeks, Uni.lu offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in your project for multiple months. For me, completing my thesis, singlehandedly justified all the effort, I had to put into the studies and in hindsight I can say I don鈥檛 regret choosing this study programme. 

I am currently pursuing my studies in the Master in Physics here at Uni.lu. The two programmes are well aligned and everything you need to know beforehand, was thoroughly taught in the Bachelor programme. And good news: the lectures are just as personal.鈥�

“Studying in the Bachelor in Mathematics has been a defining step in shaping both my academic path and my future career goals. Throughout the programme, I developed a solid foundation in key areas and strengthened my ability to think logically and approach complex challenges with confidence.

One of the most enriching aspects of my studies was the opportunity to study abroad in Canada. This experience allowed me to discover a different academic environment and to step out of my comfort zone, which was highly rewarding.”

“The Bachelor in Mathematics gave me a solid basis in the core areas of mathematics. I especially liked the small class size which allows for a lot of interaction between lecturers and students. Moreover, the supporting structure for doing an exchange semester is really well developed. I was able to use one of the many exchange agreements of the university and spent five months at one of the best universities in Japan.”

“I studied in the Mathematics Bachelor鈥檚 programme and greatly appreciated the experience. The wide range of courses and the small size of the university provide a lot of flexibility in organising one鈥檚 studies and allow for early interaction with researchers through supervised projects. For instance, I was able to work on a project on minimal surfaces which led to new results. Moreover, the many partner universities provide excellent opportunities to spend a semester abroad. Overall, the programme gave me a strong foundation in mathematics and prepared me well for my Master鈥檚 studies at 脡cole Polytechnique.”

“Uni.lu’s exceptional ranking among young universities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and research-focused environment inspired me to apply after my family relocated to Luxembourg. Mentored by exceptional professors like Prof. Nourdin, Prof. Pieter Belmans, and Prof. Gabor Wiese鈥攑lus generous guidance from PhD seniors鈥擨 tackled experimental mathematics projects giving hands-on experience with real research problems. Prof. Belmans arranged a fully sponsored summer workshop at Utrecht 8xav福利导航 on Geometry, plus I pursued very interesting informal reading projects, opportunities rarely found at other universities. My Bachelor’s thesis under Prof. Wiese’s dedicated mentorship was transformative, complemented by his invitation to weekly PhD seminars, an extraordinary opportunity for an undergrad.

During my studies, the Luxembourg Learning Centre’s cutting-edge library became my hub for intensive studies and personal research.

Finally, Uni.lu’s vibrant international community created lifelong friendships across cultures within its dynamic, forward-thinking ecosystem. These built my independence, global mindset, and mathematical passion. Uni.lu didn’t just educate me, it ignited my mathematical future.”

In 2018, 22-year-old bachelor student Tara Trauthwein received a Uni.lu Top Student Award. After a master鈥檚 in mathematics at Cambridge 8xav福利导航, the Luxembourg student returned to Uni.lu to pursue her PhD under the supervision of Prof. Giovanni Peccati. Currently a postdoc at Oxford 8xav福利导航, she just received the esteemed Rolf Tarrach 2024 award for her doctoral thesis.   

In our interview, the Luxembourg researcher speaks about the elegance of mathematics, the benefits of studying abroad, the Uni.lu mathematics department and how to overcome stressful times during a PhD. 

While always a gifted student, it was that got her hooked to the subject in high school. 鈥淚n school, you learn about the rules, how to apply them and calculate things. But math olympiads introduce you to a very different way of doing things. You get a problem to solve, and you have your math toolbox at your disposal, and now you need to get creative. It鈥檚 unlike anything you鈥檝e tried in class.鈥� 

Tara鈥檚 mindset about mathematics changed. 鈥淭hat moment when you realise how to solve a problem, that鈥檚 very addictive. It鈥檚 like solving puzzles, at least for me, it is. Research, too, is like puzzles you need to crack, by trying different angles and ideas, and suddenly one enlightening idea leads to the solution.鈥� 

How to randomly meet the Grand-Duke of Luxembourg in Japan

And so began her international training, as math olympiads brought her to Brugge (Belgium), Turkey, Belarus, Thailand. These early travels exposed her to many of the things she would later experience in research: cross-cultural communication, living and working with people from very different backgrounds, as well as resilience and resourcefulness. 

At Uni.lu, a semester abroad is mandatory for all bachelor students and considered an essential part of the bachelor study experience. Tara chose Kyoto 8xav福利导航 for her semester abroad and even learned a bit of Japanese before travelling. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a unique opportunity to live in a completely different place, to experience a different culture during a limited period of time. You are not on your own, there is financial and organisational support. So, it鈥檚 an easy way to have a very enriching experience.鈥� 

鈥淲hile I was studying in Kyoto, the Grand-Duke of Luxembourg made a state visit to Japan. Every Luxembourger there was invited to an event, so I actually met the Grand-Duke in Japan!

This international setting also prepared her for life as a doctoral candidate. 鈥淎mong the PhDs at the 8xav福利导航 of Luxembourg, you have this very rich, international and diverse community, which is great to be in.鈥� 

When I tell people at conferences that I did my PhD in Luxembourg, they know what I鈥檓 talking about

After her master鈥檚, a couple of factors brought her back to Luxembourg for her PhD.  鈥淢y supervisor, Giovanni Peccati, is an amazing teacher, I knew early on that I wanted to do my PhD with him. In addition, the research that is carried out in the Department of Mathematics is well known, the researchers are really on top of their game. When I tell people at conferences that I did my PhD in Luxembourg, they know what I鈥檓 talking about.鈥�  

鈥淟uxembourg and Oxford are very much at opposite ends of the age spectrum, each having their own benefits. Oxford carries a lot of tradition and all the rituals that have been kept over the years. But both places are very international, which I found highly enjoyable. Uni.lu being this very young, dynamic place, I could help shape it while it gets bigger and better. 鈥� 

To appreciate your PhD, learn to enjoy the process 鈥� and tolerate frustration聽

And in terms of lessons learnt for aspiring doctoral candidates? 鈥淎t times, it can get frustrating to be stuck, to work for a long time on a problem鈥�, she smiles. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 when you have to remember that you鈥檙e doing this because you like mathematics and the beauty of it. It鈥檚 about finding joy in the journey before reaching the destination.鈥� 

鈥淵ou鈥檙e not alone, your supervisor can steer you towards things that are achievable. If you have been working for too long on a problem, take a break and come back with a fresh mind. You usually find new ways to go about a question. And sometimes you might not solve your original problem, but you鈥檒l usually have discovered some other interesting ideas along the way.鈥�  

Finally, communication, whether with peers or outside the math sphere, is paramount. 鈥淭he best mathematicians today are those that have knowledge in diverse subjects and see connections beyond the obvious.鈥� 

鈥� It鈥檚 amazing to stand at a blackboard and discuss a problem with someone and play table tennis with ideas. That is very satisfying. Even if it is someone from a different subject area, just explaining your problem to someone else often helps with sorting your thoughts.鈥�

Tara Trauthwein

Inspiring girls to do math and work in STEM fields聽

The Uni.lu mathematics department is very active in outreach, thanks notably to the programmes built by Hugo Parlier and Bruno Teheux, like MathenJeans and GirlsExploringMaths, as well as events like the   organised by Antonella Perucca. 鈥淭hese activities are very valuable, since you approach math from a fun and relaxed angle. Plus, seeing people you can relate to doing math helps on a subconscious level, that鈥檚 why showcasing diversity is very important, too鈥�, she assures. 

鈥淪tudying mathematics gives a great basis in critical thinking and problem-solving, and a mindset that is appreciated in industry. You can do a great variety of things with a math diploma.鈥�  

What is your job about?
I am an investment risk manager at a management company. As such I am responsible for managing financial risk 鈥� such as market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk 鈥� for investment funds. My responsibilities include setting risk profiles for investment funds, production of different quantitative risk measures, discussing results with portfolio managers and reporting to senior management. In addition, I have the chance to work on many projects focused on defining and improving the risk management framework and systems of the company.

What interests you most?
For me, the most interesting part about my job is the combination of quantitative tasks, such as analysis of risk measures, and tasks requiring social skills, such as discussions or presentations to different stakeholders. In addition, I have the opportunity to work with many different types of investment funds, in a very dynamic environment, hence my tasks are very different from day to day and definitely never boring.

How did your studies prepare you?
The mathematical studies have helped me develop my analytical skills, problem solving ability, made me more detail-oriented and helped me understand any complex financial product or concept presented to me.