Two new AU honorary doctors with different perspectives on the quantum world
At Aarhus University’s Annual Celebration on 11 September, Anne L’Huillier and Karen River Barad will be appointed honorary doctors. Their academic careers represent two very different perspectives on the quantum field – from experimental attosecond physics to interdisciplinary work spanning physics and philosophy.
When Aarhus University celebrates its Annual Celebration on 11 September, five distinguished international researchers will be appointed honorary doctors. Two of this year’s appointments are of particular interest from a Quantum Campus Aarhus perspective.
Anne L’Huillier, Nobel Laureate in Physics 2023 and a pioneer of attosecond physics, will be appointed Honorary Doctor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Her experimental research has contributed to methods that make it possible to study the ultrafast dynamics of electrons in matter.
L’Huillier also has a long-standing connection to Aarhus University. Over the years, she has worked closely with researchers at AU, particularly at Natural Sciences, through scientific discussions, laboratory visits, student exchanges, and participation in committees.
On the morning of the Annual Celebration, there will also be an opportunity to hear Anne L’Huillier at Aarhus University. At 10:00, she will give an Ole Rømer Colloquium at the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
From quantum field theory to interdisciplinary research
Karen River Barad will be appointed Honorary Doctor at the Faculty of Arts. Barad has a background in theoretical particle physics and quantum field theory and has since developed an interdisciplinary body of work spanning physics, philosophy and other fields, including questions about knowledge, matter and ethics.
Barad also has long-standing ties to Aarhus University and has collaborated with researchers at the Faculty of Arts and the Danish School of Education (DPU) for many years. In 2025, Barad was affiliated with Aarhus University as a visiting professor.
L’Huillier and Barad thus represent two very different perspectives on the quantum field – from experimental physics to interdisciplinary perspectives on quantum theory. This breadth is also reflected in Quantum Campus Aarhus, which brings together quantum activities across Aarhus University.
Quantum Campus Aarhus congratulates Anne L’Huillier, Karen River Barad and all five new honorary doctors at Aarhus University.