Women who Shaped Science
Throughout history, women have made groundbreaking contributions to science, yet their achievements have often been overlooked or attributed to their male counterparts. From battling institutional barriers to breaking stereotypes, female scientists have reshaped our understanding of the world despite systemic obstacles. In celebration of Women's History Month, we highlight a few extraordinary women whose discoveries and innovations have left a lasting impact on science.
Marie Curie (1867-1934) stands as one of the most well-known figures in science. As the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only person to win in two different scientific fields, physics and chemistry. Curie pioneered research on radioactivity. Her discovery of the elements polonium and radium paved the way for advancements in medical treatments, including cancer radiotherapy. Despite working in a time when women were largely excluded from the scientific community, her contributions revolutionized physics and chemistry.
Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958) played a crucial role in the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure. Her X-ray diffraction images provided key evidence that allowed James Watson and Francis Crick to develop their model of DNA. Unfortunately, her work was largely unrecognized during her lifetime, and Watson and Crick received the Nobel Prize without acknowledging her contributions. Today, Franklin is celebrated as a pivotal figure in molecular biology, with her work forming the foundation of modern genetics.
Katherine Johnson (1918-2020), a brilliant mathematician, was instrumental in NASA’s space missions. Her precise calculations of orbital mechanics ensured the success of the first U.S. crewed spaceflights, including John Glenn’s orbit around Earth in 1962. Johnson overcame racial and gender discrimination to become one of NASA’s most respected mathematicians, proving that science thrives when diverse minds are included.
Chien-Shiung Wu (1912-1997), a pioneering physicist, made significant contributions to the field of nuclear physics. She played a key role in disproving the law of parity in physics, an achievement that led to the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 though the prize was awarded to her male colleagues instead. Wu’s work in experimental physics was instrumental in shaping modern scientific understanding, and she is now recognized as one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century.
Barbara McClintock (1902-1992) revolutionized genetics with her discovery of transposable elements, or “jumping genes.” Her research, which showed that genes can change position within a chromosome, was initially met with skepticism. However, her work was later recognized as groundbreaking, and she became the first woman to win an unshared Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1983. McClintock’s discoveries reshaped the field of genetics and continue to influence research today.
These women, and countless others, have pushed the boundaries of scientific knowledge despite facing significant obstacles. Their perseverance, intellect, and groundbreaking discoveries have left an indelible mark on science and society. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is crucial to continue recognizing and supporting women in STEM, ensuring that future generations of female scientists receive the opportunities and credit they deserve.
Sources:
Nobel prize in physics 1903. NobelPrize.org. (n.d.).
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1903/marie-curie/biographical/
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2025, February 12). Rosalind Franklin. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosalind-Franklin
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2025b, February 20). Katherine Johnson. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katherine-Johnson-mathematician
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2025b, February 20). Chien-Shiung Wu. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chien-Shiung-Wu
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.-a). Barbara McClintock. Encyclopædia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbara-McClintock
