Professor Francesca Ferlaino is advancing the understanding of quantum many-body systems, exploring how collections of ultracold atoms behave under the rules of quantum physics. Her experiments achieved the Bose–Einstein condensation of rare-earth elements, opening new pathways to study complex quantum phenomena that underpin emerging technologies and fundamental science.

Since 2014, Ferlaino has served as a Professor at the University of Innsbruck and as one of the Directors of the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI), where she leads research that combines precision experimentation with theoretical insight to reveal the behavior of strongly interacting quantum gases. Her contributions have been recognized through European Research Council (ERC) Grants, election to the Austrian Academy of Sciences, and Fellowship of the American Physical Society, reflecting her influence in the international scientific community.

Beyond her research, Ferlaino is a role model in physics, inspiring students and early-career scientists through mentorship and public engagement.