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OUT OF LIFE.

ROBERTO TRICARICO,

QUANTUM PHYSICIST

 

From Naples to the Tyrolean Alps! After spending time in Italy and Spain, Roberto Tricarico moved to Innsbruck in 2025, where he conducts research at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) operated by the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

"For me, Innsbruck is the best place for physics"

Before I moved to Tirol, I had already been working with the University of Innsbruck and the IQOQI from Naples for two years. Innsbruck is regarded worldwide as a leading location for quantum information and quantum computing. Many influential researchers of the last few decades have worked here. For me, Innsbruck is not only a great place for science in general, but also the best place for physics. And we are continuing to grow: a new building specifically for physics is currently being constructed at the university.

“I had no idea how big the mountains were”

When I first came to Innsbruck, I was impressed. Of course, I knew where Innsbruck was, but I had no idea how big the mountains were. I only knew Innsbruck from quantum physics. I’ve been living here since March. It’s not the first time I’ve lived in another country. I had already spent two years living in Barcelona. It wasn’t easy for me. The first time is always difficult for everyone. But you can’t think too much about it. Just go there and be open-minded, that’s the most important thing. When you go to a different country or move somewhere new, you should say to yourself: “Okay, I’m in Innsbruck, that’s interesting, that’s new.” But not: “I miss this and that.”

"People here are very open"

When I arrived here, I was completely alone – I didn't know anyone. But I was always out and about, seeing what was going on. If you stay at home, you can't know how many great things are happening, from concerts to people playing music in the streets. There's so much going on, and it's important to go out on your own and meet people. I met some of my first friends in Innsbruck in the park. They were playing table tennis and I asked if I could join in. Then we played together and ate together. A few weeks later we went to the Ski World Cup! One thing I have learned in my life is that people are waiting for you... you just have to be there and say "hello". People here are very open when you do things together – they are very active.

"Just go there and be open-minded, that's the most important thing."

"Every weekend feels a bit like a holiday"

I've found lots of interesting things for me here in Tirol. I now sing in the "Chorkuma" choir, dance swing in clubs and play blues and jazz at jam sessions. And of course I've got to know nature: I used to always be at the seaside, but now I spend almost every weekend hiking or skiing. It's incredible how many opportunities there are outside of work – every weekend feels a bit like a holiday. The only bad thing is, the food in Innsbruck isn't quite as good as in Naples, but luckily there's more to life than just food!

About
Roberto Tricarico is a quantum physicist at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and has been living in Tirol since 2025. In his free time, he makes music – he sings, dances and plays – and spends his summers and winters in the mountains.

 

University of Innsbruck
The University of Innsbruck was founded in 1669 and is now the largest educational and research institution in western Austria. With over 30 locations, it is a place of study, research and work for over 32,000 people and, with around 5,500 employees, is one of Austria's main employers.

 

Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW)
The ÖAW is Austria's leading non-university research institution. It was founded in 1847 and today brings together more than 25 institutes from the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences. Around 1,800 employees work on future-oriented topics – from quantum physics and climate research to artificial intelligence. The IQOQI in Innsbruck is one of these institutes and is regarded worldwide as one of the leading institutions in quantum research.

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