Women in Science: Trailblazers Shining Throughout History
Written by Melissa Barall, CFA, Content Writer, FemHealth Insights
Elizabeth Zott may be fictional, but she represents the many female scientists that have trail-blazed throughout history.
The history of science is rich with groundbreaking discoveries and paradigm-shifting advancements made by women, which unfortunately are often overshadowed by the contributions of men. However, behind many of these celebrated milestones lie the untold stories of pioneering women who defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations. In the spirit of Women’s History Month, this article embarks on a journey through the annals of history, uncovering some remarkable achievements of women in science.
Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world. From ancient times to the present day, female scientists have made indelible marks across diverse fields of inquiry, challenging prevailing stereotypes and expanding the boundaries of human knowledge
Early Trailblazers: From Hypatia to Marie Curie
The lineage of women in science traces back to ancient times, with figures like Hypatia of Alexandria, a revered mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher in the 4th century CE. Despite facing formidable societal constraints, Hypatia's intellectual prowess shone brightly, setting the stage to inspire future generations.
Fast forwarding to the modern era, Marie Curie stands out as a beacon of scientific excellence. A frontrunner in the fields of physics and chemistry, Curie's pioneering research on radioactivity earned her two Nobel Prizes, making her the first woman to accomplish this feat. Her groundbreaking work laid the foundation for advancements in nuclear physics and medical radiation therapy.
Forging New Frontiers: Women thriving in STEM
As the 20th century unfolded, women continued to make significant strides in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Rosalind Franklin's pivotal contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA, though often overshadowed, remain foundational to our understanding of genetics and molecular biology.
In the realm of space exploration, Valentina Tereshkova shines brightly as the first woman to travel to space aboard Vostok 6 in 1963. Her historic mission paved the way for future generations of female astronauts, inspiring countless women to reach for the stars.
Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating the Scientific Landscape
Although women in science have made invaluable contributions, they have often faced a myriad of challenges, including institutional bias, limited access to education and resources, and embedded gender stereotypes. Despite all of this, their resilience and determination have propelled them and the community forward, catalyzing progress and fostering inclusivity.
Women in Clinical Studies: Advancing Research and Knowledge
One area where women have made significant strides of late in the realm of clinical research participation. Historically, women were excluded from clinical studies, leading to a significant gap in human understanding of how diseases manifest and affect different genders. However, in recent decades, concerted efforts have been made to address the disparities and fill in missing information.
Today, women actively participate in clinical trials across a wide range of fields, including medicine, pharmacology, and public health. Their inclusion not only ensures that research findings are applicable to diverse populations but also sheds light on gender-specific health concerns and treatment outcomes.
Even though women are more represented now, there is still room for improvement: despite being more than 50% of the population, women represent only 41.2% of clinical trial participants today.
Modern-Day Trailblazers: Shaping the Future of Science
In the contemporary era, women continue to shape the landscape of scientific inquiry, spearheading groundbreaking research and innovation across diverse disciplines. Figures like Jane Goodall, renowned for her groundbreaking studies on chimpanzees and conservation efforts, exemplify the enduring spirit of scientific exploration.
Meanwhile, pioneers like Frances Arnold, a Nobel laureate in chemistry for her work on directed evolution, and Jennifer Doudna, a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her role in the development of CRISPR gene editing technology, exemplify the transformative power of female leadership in science.
Current Companies and Future Research
As we look to the future, the landscape of women in science is evolving rapidly, with an increasing number of companies dedicated to supporting and empowering women in STEM fields. Companies like Girls Who Code, founded by Reshma Saujani, are leading the charge in providing coding education and mentorship to young girls, bridging the gender gap in technology.
In the field of clinical studies, startups like Science 37 and Medable, are revolutionizing the way research is conducted, leveraging digital platforms and telemedicine to streamline participant recruitment and data collection. These companies are prioritizing diversity and inclusion in clinical trials, ensuring that women are adequately represented in research studies.
Additionally, female-founded companies like Juno Bio or Hertility show the impact and expertise that women in the field bring to the table. Specifically, female founders are able to contribute to solutions that meaningfully advance the field due to their personal experience as well as their generalized knowledge. Many of these women identify issues in themselves or in those around them and are able to troubleshoot solutions.
Looking ahead, future research in women's health holds immense promise, with opportunities to delve deeper into gender-specific health concerns, develop innovative treatments, and advance our understanding of the complexities of the human body. By fostering collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, we can unlock the full potential of women in science and usher in a new era of scientific discovery and innovation.
Conclusion
The history of women in science is a testament to the indomitable spirit of curiosity, perseverance, and ingenuity. From ancient luminaries to modern-day trailblazers, women have left their mark on the scientific landscape, enriching modern understanding of the world and inspiring future generations to pursue their passions without boundaries.
As we celebrate the achievements of women in science, let us also recognize the ongoing need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within the scientific community. By fostering environments that embrace different perspectives and talents, we can unlock the full potential of scientific inquiry and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
About the Author:
Melissa Barall, CFA, is a dedicated finance and health professional, with experience in the private and public markets. She began her career on Wall Street in 2018 and has been a health and wellness advocate, angel investor, and superconnector along the way. Her mission is to bridge the gap for women in both investing and health care, and is passionate about mental health, wellness / biohacking, and psychedelics.
