National Women In Science Day

A group of diverse women scientists wearing lab coats, conducting experiments in a modern and well-equipped laboratory.. — National women in science day illustration

Welcome to the fabulous world of National Women in Science Day! It's a day dedicated to celebrating the amazing contributions of women in the world of science. Get ready to dive into a world of discoveries, groundbreaking research, and a whole lot of girl power!

When is Women In Science Day?

It's national women in science day on the 11th February.

The Birth of National Women in Science Day

Let's travel back in time to uncover the origins of National Women in Science Day. This special day was established to honor the achievements of women in scientific fields and encourage young girls to pursue careers in science. It was first celebrated on February 11th, 2011, and has been gaining momentum ever since!

Why February 11th, you may ask? Well, it commemorates the birthday of one of the most influential female scientists in history - Marie Curie. This double Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist contributed greatly to the field of radioactivity. She not only made ground-breaking discoveries but also paved the way for future generations of women scientists.

How to Celebrate National Women in Science Day

Now that you know the backstory, let's dive into some exciting ways to celebrate this special day:

Explore Women in Science: Take some time to research and learn about the incredible women who have made significant contributions to the world of science. From Rosalind Franklin's discovery of the structure of DNA to Ada Lovelace's pioneering work in computer programming, there are countless inspiring stories out there.
Support Girls in STEM: Encourage young girls to pursue their passion for science by participating in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. Help break down gender barriers and empower the next generation of women in science.
Organize an Event: Host a science-themed event or workshop to raise awareness about the achievements of women in science. From panel discussions to hands-on experiments, there are endless possibilities for an engaging and educational gathering.

A Fun Women in Science Fact!

Did you know that Hedy Lamarr, known as a Hollywood actress in the 1940s, was also an inventor? Lamarr co-invented frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, which is the basis for modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Who knew that movie stars could also be tech-savvy inventors?

History behind the term 'Women In Science'

1700s

The Enlightenment Era

During the 1700s, the Enlightenment was flourishing in Europe, bringing about significant advancements in science and philosophy. It laid the foundation for the idea that women could actively participate and contribute to various fields of knowledge, including science. Although limited by societal norms, a few women scientists emerged during this time and started making notable contributions to the scientific community.

1804

Mary Anning's Fossil Discoveries

In 1804, the renowned British paleontologist Mary Anning made her first significant fossil discovery: the skull of an ichthyosaur. Her subsequent findings and expertise in paleontology challenged the prevailing notions of the time and paved the way for women to gain recognition in the field of science. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Mary Anning made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of prehistoric life and fossils.

1865

Lise Meitner's Birth

In 1865, Lise Meitner was born in Vienna, Austria. She would later become one of the most prominent female physicists of her time. Her work in nuclear physics, particularly her collaboration with Otto Hahn, led to the discovery of nuclear fission. Although her contributions went largely unacknowledged at the time, Meitner's research played a crucial role in the development of atomic energy and the understanding of nuclear reactions.

1903

Marie Curie's Nobel Prize

Marie Curie, a Polish-born physicist and chemist, received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903, becoming the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize. Her groundbreaking research on radioactivity opened new doors for the understanding of atomic physics. Curie's persistent dedication to her work and her subsequent Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911 made her an icon for women in science and inspired countless others to pursue scientific endeavors.

1947

Katharine Burr Blodgett's Accomplishments

Katharine Burr Blodgett, an American physicist and chemist, made significant contributions to the field of surface chemistry and industrial science in the 1930s and 1940s. Blodgett invented the first practical application of the Langmuir-Blodgett film, a molecular monolayer used in a variety of scientific and industrial applications. Her achievements challenged the gender stereotypes prevalent at the time and fueled the progress of women in scientific research.

1960s

The Women's Liberation Movement

The 1960s saw the rise of the Women's Liberation Movement, which sought to remove barriers and promote gender equality in various aspects of society, including science. This movement played a crucial role in addressing the discrimination and inequality faced by women in science. Efforts were made to bridge the gender gap and create more opportunities for women to pursue careers in scientific fields.

2016

UNESCO's International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Recognizing the importance of promoting gender equality in science, UNESCO declared February 11th as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2016. This annual observance aims to highlight the achievements of women in science and inspire young girls to explore and pursue careers in scientific disciplines. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure equal opportunities for women in the field of science.