Prof. Barbara Erazmus studied technical physics at Lodz University of Technology from 1978 to 1983. She completed her doctoral studies in nuclear physics at the Grand Accélérateur National d'Ions Lourds in France, and in 1992 she habilitated at the Université de Nantes. She is the Queen of the Order of the National Legion of Honor, the highest French decoration. She is currently coordinating the European project STRONG-2020 and co-ordinating one of the LHC experiments at CERN, A Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE). Previously she was a member of the Scientific Information Policy Council of CERN. She was also deputy director of the Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics (IN2P3) at CNRS and treasurer of the board of the International Science Council. She is the author of over 200 publications.
When did your fascination with physics start?
Already in the Secondary School in Glucholazy I had very good professors in physics and Polish language, which translated into my interests. When I was choosing my studies, I hesitated between journalism and physics, but in the end my love for physics won. I chose Lodz for family reasons.
Which of the skills gained during your studies helped you on your way to professional success?
Undoubtedly the most important factor was the individual course of study. I myself was responsible for what I learned. By selecting a subject, I could satisfy my curiosity and thus develop my passions. From the perspective of professional experience, I can say that mathematical methods and methodology turned out to be particularly useful.
The professors I met at the university played a big role in my life.
Was there any character that was particularly important to you?
I remember Prof. Maciej Przanowski, who after his return from Mexico taught at Lodz University of Technology. I enrolled in the seminar to write my thesis on the theory of relativity under his supervision. The Professor's charisma inspired me to reach for this topic. He was an extraordinary figure in my life because he was an authority in physics. He opened me to thinking about working in an international environment, for which I am extremely grateful.
What other events were significant for you during your studies?
I remember the students' strike in the early 1980s. It was marked by a unique atmosphere, solidarity and closeness. We had a lot of time back then, so we listened to Pink Floyd records. I remember it very much and today, when I hear the songs of this band, the memories of those special days and that atmosphere come back to me.
Why is Lodz University of Technology worth choosing for the place of education?
I think that an unquestionable advantage of this university is the possibility to study in an individual course. It gives an amazing opportunity to develop and learn following your aptitudes and interests. Internationalisation is also very important, and Lodz University of Technology conducts wide scientific cooperation with various universities and institutions in the world, including CERN. It is extremely important for young people that they can go abroad both for several months and for longer exchanges.