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Throughout history, women in science have defied the odds, shattered stereotypes, and made groundbreaking discoveries that continue to shape our world. From medicine to physics, mathematics to computing, these trailblazers overcame gender bias and societal restrictions to pave the way for future generations. Remembering women in science ahead of International Women’s Day 2025 March 8.
Kamal Ranadive: Revolutionizing Cancer Research
One of India’s first women cell biologists, Kamal Ranadive made major contributions to cancer research. She established India’s first tissue culture lab and played a key role in the Indian Cancer Research Centre (ICRC) and the Experimental Biology Laboratory. Ranadive also founded the Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA), which now supports over 2,000 students in science.
Asima Chatterjee: Advancing Chemistry and Medicine
A trailblazer in organic chemistry, Asima Chatterjee was the second woman in India to earn a doctorate in science. Her research on the Madagascar periwinkle plant contributed to chemotherapy drugs used to combat cancer. She also identified medicinal properties in the bael tree for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Chatterjee became the first woman scientist to hold a faculty position at an Indian university.
Bibha Chowdhuri: India’s First Woman Particle Physicist
Bibha Chowdhuri was handpicked by physicist Homi J. Bhabha to join the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). She was the first in the world to discover the pi-meson (pion), a subatomic particle. Her pursuit of the hypothetical cosmic ray particle was hindered by the lack of high-quality photo plates during World War II, yet her legacy in particle physics remains unparalleled.
E. K. Janaki Ammal: Transforming Botanical Research
India’s first PhD holder in botany, Janaki Ammal made significant contributions to sugarcane research, enhancing the sweetness of Indian sugarcane varieties. She worked at London’s John Innes Horticultural Institute and was later invited by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to restructure the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). She remained committed to scientific research until her passing in 1984.
Kamala Sohonie: Breaking Barriers in Education
Denied admission to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) by Nobel laureate C.V. Raman, Kamala Sohonie’s persistence led to her admission under strict conditions. She later became the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in science. Her achievements led IISc to open its doors to women without restrictions, paving the way for future female scientists.
Ada Lovelace: The First Computer Programmer
Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace’s work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine laid the foundation for modern computing. Her detailed notes on algorithms are considered the first computer program, making her a visionary in computer science long before modern computers were developed.
Marie Curie: A Pioneer in Radioactivity
Marie Curie’s research on radioactivity led to the discovery of polonium and radium, and she developed techniques for isolating radioactive isotopes. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win in two different scientific fields. Her work paved the way for X-ray technology and cancer treatment.
Chien-Shiung Wu: A Revolutionary in Physics
A leading figure in nuclear physics, Chien-Shiung Wu played a critical role in the Manhattan Project and conducted the “Wu experiment,” which disproved the theory of parity in physics. Although her male colleagues received the Nobel Prize for the discovery, Wu’s contributions were groundbreaking. She later became the first female president of the American Physical Society.
Gladys West: The Mathematician Behind GPS
Dr. Gladys West’s mathematical modeling of Earth’s shape was instrumental in developing GPS technology. Her work at the U.S. Navy, analyzing satellite data and gravitational measurements, led to precise location tracking systems that power modern navigation.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate these extraordinary women who paved the way for future generations. Their resilience and contributions to science continue to inspire young minds worldwide. As we move forward, ensuring equal opportunities in STEM fields remains crucial for progress and innovation.
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