WORLD OF SCIENCE
Invaluable work
DR. T. V. PADMA
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A look at some of the women who have made great contributions to science.
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The world of science and mathematics has been largely dominated by men, in India and elsewhere around the world. But is this due to nature or nurture? Is there something biological that predisposes men to science and drives women away from it?
There is a growing body of research that proves otherwise. Societal values have long been forcibly imposed on female scientists, mathematicians and engineers, forcing them into second place. Despite subtle and overt expressions of oppression, however, there have been women who have excelled and become leaders in these fields. Unfortunately, their contributions are often not given the recognition they deserve.
Recognition
Everyone has heard of Einstein, but how many have heard of Emmy Noether, the mathematician whose work was invaluable to him, and whom he described as the greatest mathematical genius of all time? Many people attribute the discovery of the planet Uranus to William Herschel; yet few know that his sister toiled beside him, completed all the complicated mathematical calculations and countless minutiae that helped him in his research.
It would be impossible to chronicle the lives and contributions of the many women whose names are not as famous as they should be. Many died before their contributions were recognised, and thus their lives were not well documented.
In the next few weeks, however, we will explore the world of women scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, and look at a few female firsts who made vital contributions to their fields.
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