Post by Max Planck Institute of Biophysics

How do you conduct quantum physics research when sign language lacks the words for it? Ingo Barth, the first deaf German to earn a doctorate in chemistry, impressed us with his pioneering work in Current-Carrying Quantum Dynamics CCQD)—a topic that was clearly challenging for the two interpreters present—for which he received several awards. He shared how he navigated significant obstacles while progressing from the only Deaf physics student at his university to becoming a research group leader at the MPI of Microstructure Physics. One way he dealt with these barriers was to reduce them by creating Sign2MINT, a STEM sign language lexicon that he initiated with others. So far, it has developed more than 5,000 STEM signs, empowering future generations of Deaf scientists to accelerate in STEM fields. He talked about his dream of establishing the first university for deaf people in Germany already before experiencing the Gallaudet University in the US, where “everything was so much easier and felt so natural” because using the Americans Sign Language (ASL) was the standard. “In the US, ASL is widely offered as an assignment at schools.” His change to KfW Bank as a risk controller was driven by the desire for more stability and the exploration of new opportunities. “KfW has a culture that feels very welcoming to me. There’s a lot of knowledge about needs and opportunities regarding people with disabilities.” He closed with a quote from Marlee Matlin: “Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do, except hear.” A powerful reminder: innovation thrives when diversity is embraced. #DeafExcellence #STEMforAll #InclusionInScience #Sign2Mint #DisabilityInclusion #QuantumPhysics #Leadership #Accessibility #DiversityAndInclusion Max Planck Society Thank you to the interpreters Renata Melka and Claudia Straub, Max Planck Disability Officer Lorenz Dorner-Finkbeiner, and Managing Director Gerhard Hummer and Head of Administration of our Institute, Corinna Jung, along with the members of the event service team and the Diversity Group. The talk was funded by the Max Planck Diversity Excellence Fund which was launched by Asifa Akhtar, Vice President of the Max Planck Society. Sign2Mint was funded by the Max Planck Foundation. 📷 Shau Chung Shin