KSQM Calendar

This three-lecture series provides a conceptual introduction to the physics of disordered superconductors, emphasizing general principles and their limitations. We begin by reviewing optical sum rules and gauge invariance in metals and superconductors. In addition we discuss the Anderson theorem and the remarkable robustness of conventional s-wave superconductivity against nonmagnetic disorder. Building on this foundation, we then discuss mechanisms of pair breaking, focusing on the effects of magnetic impurities and strong disorder, and introduce the Abrikosov–Gor’kov framework for the suppression of superconductivity. Finally, we turn to unconventional superconductors, where disorder plays a qualitatively different role due to symmetry, topology, and strong correlations. We examine how disorder probes pairing symmetry, modifies low-energy excitations, and can both destroy and induce novel superconducting phenomena. Throughout the lectures, emphasis is placed on unifying principles, experimentally relevant observables, and open questions at the interface of disorder, interactions, and superconductivity.

This three-lecture series provides a conceptual introduction to the physics of disordered superconductors, emphasizing general principles and their limitations. We begin by reviewing optical sum rules and gauge invariance in metals and superconductors. In addition we discuss the Anderson theorem and the remarkable robustness of conventional s-wave superconductivity against nonmagnetic disorder. Building on this foundation, we then discuss mechanisms of pair breaking, focusing on the effects of magnetic impurities and strong disorder, and introduce the Abrikosov–Gor’kov framework for the suppression of superconductivity. Finally, we turn to unconventional superconductors, where disorder plays a qualitatively different role due to symmetry, topology, and strong correlations. We examine how disorder probes pairing symmetry, modifies low-energy excitations, and can both destroy and induce novel superconducting phenomena. Throughout the lectures, emphasis is placed on unifying principles, experimentally relevant observables, and open questions at the interface of disorder, interactions, and superconductivity.

KSQM Coffee & Cake Events provide the opportunity for PhD students to interact with distinguished alumni in an informal format and setting; PIs are not present.
 
Thanks to Prof. Jörg Schmalian, we are pleased to have Mareike and Mathias to our upcoming alumni event, where they will share their career insights and advice with KSQM members.
 
Mareike Hoyer: From solving integrals to solving customer needs 
 
Mareike studied physics in Marburg and Karlsruhe and focused on condensed matter theory. Her Master’s thesis sparked a keen interest in unconventional superconductivity and the desire to delve deeper. She continued her work on disorder effects in unconventional superconductors in the group of Prof. Dr. Jörg Schmalian, and obtained her PhD in 2017. While Mareike had greatly enjoyed calculating Feynman diagrams with pen and paper as well as publishing and presenting the results, she also realized that she wanted to work on projects with direct practical relevance. In her position as development engineer and project leader at ci-tec – a small software company specializing in solutions for the automation of the process industry – Mareike has expanded her skill set to include infrared camera technology, industrial image processing, machine learning, and software engineering. She coordinates customer projects and joint research projects alongside family life with a toddler.
 
 Mathias Scheurer: Across the Atlantic and the Alps: An Academic Journey Back to THE LÄND
 
Mathias grew up in a small town near Heilbronn and studied physics at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Early in his studies, he was drawn to the ideas and concepts of theoretical physics and wrote his master thesis in the group of Prof. Shnirman on Majorana qubits. For his PhD from 2013 to 2016, he slightly switched topic and worked on strongly correlated systems with Prof. Schmalian, with a particular focus on unconventional superconductivity. After that, he moved to Harvard University in 2017 as a postdoc to work with Prof. Sachdev, broadening his research interest to also include quantum magnetism and machine learning for physics. In 2020, he got an Assistant Professor position at the University of Innsbruck where he established his research group and then moved to the University of Stuttgart in 2023 as a full professor. 

This three-lecture series provides a conceptual introduction to the physics of disordered superconductors, emphasizing general principles and their limitations. We begin by reviewing optical sum rules and gauge invariance in metals and superconductors. In addition we discuss the Anderson theorem and the remarkable robustness of conventional s-wave superconductivity against nonmagnetic disorder. Building on this foundation, we then discuss mechanisms of pair breaking, focusing on the effects of magnetic impurities and strong disorder, and introduce the Abrikosov–Gor’kov framework for the suppression of superconductivity. Finally, we turn to unconventional superconductors, where disorder plays a qualitatively different role due to symmetry, topology, and strong correlations. We examine how disorder probes pairing symmetry, modifies low-energy excitations, and can both destroy and induce novel superconducting phenomena. Throughout the lectures, emphasis is placed on unifying principles, experimentally relevant observables, and open questions at the interface of disorder, interactions, and superconductivity.

Workshop Content

• What leadership means in science: roles, expectations, responsibilities
• Leading without formal authority; influencing across hierarchy
• Key HR tools for scientists:
o Delegation & goal-setting
o Feedback & communication strategies
o Motivation and team climate
• Lateral leadership in interdisciplinary or international projects
• Handling “difficult situations” and performance issues
• Onboarding, supervision and development of new team members
• Personal leadership style, strengths and blind spots
• Practical exercises and reflection with real cases

Learning Objectives:

• Reflect on own leadership role
• Know Tasks and Tools of leadership
• Gain inner security as a leader, get assertive as a manager
• Know, how to give direction and support team members
• Conducting difficult conversations
• Deal with power games
• Form alliances, use networks, find allies

Workshop Content

• What leadership means in science: roles, expectations, responsibilities
• Leading without formal authority; influencing across hierarchy
• Key HR tools for scientists:
o Delegation & goal-setting
o Feedback & communication strategies
o Motivation and team climate
• Lateral leadership in interdisciplinary or international projects
• Handling “difficult situations” and performance issues
• Onboarding, supervision and development of new team members
• Personal leadership style, strengths and blind spots
• Practical exercises and reflection with real cases

Learning Objectives:

• Reflect on own leadership role
• Know Tasks and Tools of leadership
• Gain inner security as a leader, get assertive as a manager
• Know, how to give direction and support team members
• Conducting difficult conversations
• Deal with power games
• Form alliances, use networks, find allies

Get ready for this year's retreat—it's going to be an amazing experience! Here’s what’s in store:
 
Oral Presentation Sessions: Dive into engaging discussions and share your latest research findings with fellow members.
 
Invited lectures/Talks : Based on the wishes of KSQM Members and set up by the Student Council
 
Networking Opportunities: Meet and mingle with other members in a relaxed, friendly setting designed for building connections and swapping ideas.
 
We can’t wait to see you there and make KSQM Retreat & Summer School 2026 something truly special!

Get ready for this year's retreat—it's going to be an amazing experience! Here’s what’s in store:
 
Oral Presentation Sessions: Dive into engaging discussions and share your latest research findings with fellow members.
 
Invited lectures/Talks : Based on the wishes of KSQM Members and set up by the Student Council
 
Networking Opportunities: Meet and mingle with other members in a relaxed, friendly setting designed for building connections and swapping ideas.
 
We can’t wait to see you there and make KSQM Retreat & Summer School 2026 something truly special!

Get ready for this year's retreat—it's going to be an amazing experience! Here’s what’s in store:
 
Oral Presentation Sessions: Dive into engaging discussions and share your latest research findings with fellow members.
 
Invited lectures/Talks : Based on the wishes of KSQM Members and set up by the Student Council
 
Networking Opportunities: Meet and mingle with other members in a relaxed, friendly setting designed for building connections and swapping ideas.
 
We can’t wait to see you there and make KSQM Retreat & Summer School 2026 something truly special!

Get ready for this year's retreat—it's going to be an amazing experience! Here’s what’s in store:
 
Oral Presentation Sessions: Dive into engaging discussions and share your latest research findings with fellow members.
 
Invited lectures/Talks : Based on the wishes of KSQM Members and set up by the Student Council
 
Networking Opportunities: Meet and mingle with other members in a relaxed, friendly setting designed for building connections and swapping ideas.
 
We can’t wait to see you there and make KSQM Retreat & Summer School 2026 something truly special!

Get ready for this year's retreat—it's going to be an amazing experience! Here’s what’s in store:
 
Oral Presentation Sessions: Dive into engaging discussions and share your latest research findings with fellow members.
 
Invited lectures/Talks : Based on the wishes of KSQM Members and set up by the Student Council
 
Networking Opportunities: Meet and mingle with other members in a relaxed, friendly setting designed for building connections and swapping ideas.
 
We can’t wait to see you there and make KSQM Retreat & Summer School 2026 something truly special!