It has been proven numerous times that women are no less capable of conducting scientific research and contributing their talents to make the world a better place. Our scientific fields have changed because of the contribution of girls and women in their respective fields, and we have plenty of examples to prove it.

Women in Science: Their Contribution

Throughout history, we can see how some remarkable ideas have come from the brilliant minds of women in science. As a result, scientists from different fields of science have changed their way of thinking. Their research, inventions, innovations, and discoveries have made our lives so much richer and have given us a good outlook for the future.

Despite this, women make up a smaller percentage of scientists than men. In different times, women have braved and overcome all odds to pursue their love of science. They have proven how they can grow and flourish given the proper environment. They have proven how they can grow and flourish given the proper environment.

Whether it was Madam Curie or Shakuntala Devi, we have seen miracles actually taking place. The only woman to win the Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry within a short 8-year period is Madame Curie. Shakuntala Devi is a prodigy who has the ability to use her mind alone to solve any difficult mathematics problem. She’s referred to as the Human Computer of India. Let’s discuss the role of women in science and technology.

30% is the worldwide percentage of women researchers, according to UNESCO. Comparing this ratio to the percentage of males in the same field, we can observe a discrepancy. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated for this reason.

List of Women in Science: History & Achievements

• Rosalind Franklin

British chemist Rosalind Franklin was born in 1920 in Notting Hill. In 1942, she brought her physics and chemistry expertise to London Coal, where she investigated the properties of carbon.

She contributed significantly to DNA’s double-helix structure discovery. It was her work and findings about DNA that contributed to the discovery of its structure.

In addition, she provided valuable insights into the structure of viruses.

The profound research on virus structures led to the establishment of virology as a subject to study.

• Marie Curie

In recognition of her outstanding contributions in Physics and Chemistry, Marie Curie has been awarded two Nobel prizes.

She discovered a radioactive element with the help of her husband. Together with her husband, she discovered radium, polonium, and thorium. The medical field was completely transformed by these elements. Several of these elements have been used in chemotherapy to treat cancer.

• Kalpana Chawla

She was the first Indian-origin female aeronautical engineer hailing from Haryana, India. NASA selected her to go to the International Space Station as their engineer. After Rakesh Sharma, she is the second Indian to go to space.

She received the Congressional Space Medal of Honour, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and NASA Space Flight Medal in recognition of her work.

Sadly, she passed away in the STS-107 Mission while the crew of six was returning to the Columbia Space Shuttle.

You will be surprised to know that she was an accomplished Bharatnatyam dancer, a certified scuba diver, and a karate champion.

• Shakuntala Devi

She is popularly referred to as the Human Computer of India. The entire world was astonished by her amazing ability to perform complex mathematical calculations in a matter of seconds. She once calculated the 23rd root of a 201-digit number. She completed it mentally without using any instruments, not even a pen, and did it 12 seconds faster than UNIVAC, the fastest computer in 1977.

You’ll be shocked to learn that Shakuntala Devi lacked a formal education. When she was six years old, she demonstrated her passion for mathematics.

• Janaki Ammal

Without her, sugar might not have been as sweet as it is now. She was a Cytogeneticist and Botanist by training who defied social conventions and gave her all in her work studying hundreds of plant species. She was the one who figured out why sugar needed to be made sweeter. She received the Padma Shree in 1977 and is recognised for her invention.

With regard to the Silent Valley hydroelectric project in Kerala, she was rebellious. She made a tremendous contribution to the world of botany by conducting extensive research on the chromosomes of thousands of floral species.

• Kamala Sohonie

She is the first female biochemist to receive a PhD in the subject of science. She is well-known for her research on the value of vitamins for poor Indians.

She specifically addressed the issue of how the underprivileged in India obtain wholesome meals.

She also discussed the nutritional benefits of the pulses that the poor people in Indian society eat.

• Tessy Thomas

The 1963-born scientist became one of the leading scientists in an Indian missile project by breaking the standard societal rules. It is amazing how she was able to become a brilliant contributor in a male-dominated scientific field within the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).

She was the first Indian scientist to head such an influential project that escalated the level of military power we have now. She is a homemaker who aspired to become the Project Director for the development of Agni IV and V missiles. It is a solid-fuelled, 5,500 km range intercontinental ballistic missile.

Role of Women in Science

It can be concluded from all of these names that women have played a significant role in the development of science and technology. This list included some of the top women and their contributions in science.

Women’s increased participation in science and technology will enhance the talent pool and result in excellent results. Women will also be empowered and encouraged to choose their respective fields of science. By doing so, we will also be able to understand the importance and role of women in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM). This will create social role models and encourage the next generation to follow in their footsteps.