Throughout history, women’s contributions to science and technology have often been overlooked by their male counterparts’ successes. Despite societal constraints, educational limitations, and systemic biases, many women have made ground-breaking discoveries and innovations that have changed our understanding of the natural world, propelled humanity into new technological frontiers, and laid the groundwork for future generations of scientists and engineers. These exceptional women not only surmounted the obstacles to attain success in their respective disciplines, but they also spurred long-term change by questioning established gender norms and reimagining the possibilities for women in STEM.
From pioneering research in physics and chemistry to building the intellectual groundwork for modern computing, women such as Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, Rosalind Franklin, Katherine Johnson, and Grace Hopper have left indelible fingerprints on science and technology. Their work has not only changed the way we think about science, but it has also opened up new avenues for innovation, especially in disciplines that were previously considered inaccessible to women. Though their contributions were frequently met with scepticism, marginalisation, or even invisibility during their lifetimes, these women are now widely acknowledged as trailblazers who altered the scientific landscape.
Let’s explore the life and legacy of five women who have significantly impacted science and technology: Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, Rosalind Franklin, Katherine Johnson, and Grace Hopper. Their stories offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that shaped their careers, as well as the lasting influence they have had on the fields of physics, computer science, genetics, mathematics, and beyond. By revisiting their work, we can celebrate their achievements and continue to push for a future where women’s contributions to science and technology are acknowledged and celebrated on equal footing with their male peers.
Marie Curie: The Pioneer of Radioactivity
Marie Curie, born in 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, was a scientific pioneer. Despite limited access to further education, she attended school in Paris and began her revolutionary work in physics and chemistry. Her discovery of polonium and radium, which she invented, transformed science, earning her two Nobel Prizes in Physics (1903) and Chemistry (1911). Curie is the only person to have received Nobel Prizes in two distinct scientific domains. Her discoveries paved the way for future atomic research and the development of radiation-based medicinal treatments, such as cancer medicines. Despite personal traumas and the death of her husband, Curie’s influence continues to inspire future generations of scientists.
Ada Lovelace: The First Computer Programmer
Ada Lovelace, born in 1815 in London, is usually regarded as the world’s first computer programmer. She was educated from an early age, particularly in mathematics and logic. Lovelace was introduced to Charles Babbage, a British mathematician and inventor who created the Analytical Engine, an early mechanical computer. Lovelace’s partnership with Babbage was momentous, since she realised the machine could be programmed to do any logical sequence of operations. Lovelace devised a technique for computing Bernoulli numbers, which is often regarded as the first computer program. Although the Analytical Engine was never built, Lovelace’s visionary ideas created the intellectual groundwork for computer science and won her a place in the history of contemporary computing.
Rosalind Franklin: The Unsung Hero of DNA
Rosalind Franklin, born in London in 1920, was a biophysicist who contributed significantly to the discovery of the DNA double helix. Her work using X-ray diffraction, particularly “Photo 51,” showed DNA’s helical helix, which was a milestone in molecular biology. Franklin’s research gave evidence for Watson and Crick’s concept of the DNA double helix, which became one of biology’s most important discoveries. Despite being disregarded throughout her lifetime, Franklin’s work was eventually recognised, and she died of ovarian cancer in 1958. Today, she is recognised as a scientific pioneer whose work influenced current genetics and molecular biology.
Katherine Johnson: The Human Computer Who Helped America Reach the Moon
Katherine Johnson, born in West Virginia in 1918, was a mathematician who contributed significantly to NASA’s space missions. Despite discrimination based on race and gender, she rose to prominence in mathematics and aerospace engineering. Johnson’s calculations contributed significantly to the success of the Mercury and Apollo missions, notably John Glenn’s orbital flight in 1962 and the Apollo 11 mission that landed humans on the Moon in 1969. Johnson has won various awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Her story was told in the 2016 film Hidden Figures, which highlighted the underappreciated importance of African American women in science and technology. Her legacy continues to motivate future generations of women, especially those of colour, to seek professions in STEM.
Grace Hopper: The Queen of Code
Grace Hopper, a computer scientist and Navy rear admiral born in 1906, invented the first compiler, which revolutionised programming. This application converts written code to machine-readable language, making programming more accessible. Hopper’s most renowned contribution was the COBOL programming language, which is now widely used in commercial, financial, and administrative systems. She pushed for the democratisation of computing and the advancement of women in technology, serving as a role model for women pursuing STEM careers. Hopper received various accolades and honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, which was bestowed posthumously. Her work had a profound impact on programming and continues to inspire future generations.
Grace Hopper, a computer scientist and Navy rear admiral born in 1906, invented the first compiler, which revolutionised programming. This application converts written code to machine-readable language, making programming more accessible. Hopper’s most renowned contribution was the COBOL programming language, which is now widely used in commercial, financial, and administrative systems. She pushed for the democratisation of computing and the advancement of women in technology, serving as a role model for women pursuing STEM careers. Hopper received various accolades and honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, which was bestowed posthumously. Her work had a profound impact on programming and continues to inspire future generations.
Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, Rosalind Franklin, Katherine Johnson, and Grace Hopper all made significant and long-lasting contributions to science and technology. These women not only broke down boundaries in traditionally male-dominated fields, but also lay the groundwork for remarkable discoveries and technologies that continue to affect our world today. Their stories demonstrate the power of tenacity, intelligence, and enthusiasm, and they continue to motivate future generations of scientists, engineers, and inventors. As we move ahead, their legacies serve as a reminder of the value of equality, as well as the need of supporting and celebrating women in science and technology.
