Drawing Science Equality
Marie Curie
Marie Curie (1867–1934) was a Polish physicist and chemist, renowned for her pioneering research. She studied the phenomenon of radioactivity and became the first woman to hold a professorship at the University of Sorbonne. She was also the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize. In 1903, she won the Nobel Prize in Physics along with her husband, Pierre Curie, and Henri Becquerel for their discovery of radioactivity. In 1911, she was honored with a second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry, for her discovery of the elements polonium and radium.
Beyond her scientific contributions, she developed mobile radiology units that were used during World War I. Marie Curie was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes and the first to receive them in two different scientific fields. Her life and work continue to inspire the contributions of women in science, emphasizing the importance of dedication to research and innovation.
Hypatia
Hypatia (c. 370–415 AD) was one of the most influential figures in ancient science and philosophy. She excelled in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy and taught at the Neoplatonic School of Alexandria. Her contributions to geometry and astronomy were significant, and she played a crucial role in the development of Neoplatonic philosophy. Her teachings encompassed a broad curriculum that integrated mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy, helping her students understand the connections between these disciplines. Additionally, she developed scientific instruments such as astrolabes and hydrometers, demonstrating her ability to bridge theory with practice.
Tragically, Hypatia’s life was cut short in 415 AD when she was murdered by a fanatical mob who accused her of sorcery and blamed her for political tensions in Alexandria. Her death remains one of the most tragic events in the history of philosophy. Hypatia continues to be a symbol of intellectual pursuit and resilience, with her life and work inspiring generations to this day.
Valentina Tereshkova
Valentina Tereshkova is one of the most important women in the history of space exploration. She was born on March 6, 1937, in Maslennikovo, Russia. On June 16, 1963, Tereshkova became the first woman to travel to space, aboard Vostok 6. During her three-day mission, she completed 48 orbits around the Earth and collected important data on the human body’s reactions to space flight.
After her historic mission, Tereshkova studied at the Zhukovsky Air Force Academy and became a cosmonaut engineer. Later, she held important positions in the Soviet Union and was honored with many awards, including the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Tereshkova remains an iconic figure in the history of space exploration and continues to inspire both women and men around the world, in Russia and internationally.
Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall (April 3, 1934) is a British primatologist, anthropologist, and is renowned for her long-term study of chimpanzees. In 1960, she began her research at Gombe National Park in Tanzania, dedicating her life to studying the social and family behavior of chimpanzees. Her groundbreaking observations revealed the complexity of their relationships.
In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which promotes the protection of chimpanzees and their natural habitat. She also created the educational program Roots & Shoots, encouraging young people to take action on environmental and social justice issues. She has received numerous awards for her work and is one of the most important researchers in the field of wildlife. Today, she continues her work, traveling tirelessly to promote environmental awareness.
