A Bloke In A Hat…

This entry is part 8 of 10 in the series Notable Scientists

I expect you recognise the gentleman in the picture above. He designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Paddington Station and the SS Great Britain; the first all iron, propeller-driven steam ship. At the end of last month the results of a survey were published in which people from non-scientific backgrounds were asked to name famous scientists. For the question, “Name a female scientist” 12% of the respondents said Isambard Kingdom Brunel (the man in the picture above who died in 1859). When asked to specifically mention a living female scientist 68% of respondents answered Marie Curie – closer but she has been dead for 80 years.

I was reminded of an article by an american biology professor who wrote that he always includes a final question on his first year exam papers, “Name a female scientist and describe her contribution to her chosen field of study”. Mostly the question goes unanswered even though the students are at a University surrounded by men and women actively doing scientific research. Of those that do answer, most opt for Marie Curie. Wikipedia has this to say about her…

Marie Skłodowska-Curie (7 November 1867 – 4 July 1934) was a Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the only woman to win in two fields, and the only person to win in multiple sciences. She was also the first woman to become a professor at the University of Paris, and in 1995 became the first woman to be entombed on her own merits in the Panthéon in Paris.

She was an amazing woman but it is a shame that most people cannot think of more examples of women in science – there have been lots. If asked the question I would cheat and say Dr Sarah Randolph who is my cousin and is one of the world’s leading experts on ticks and Lyme disease. It is possible that with articles having appeared in the national press and the Times Educational Supplement about this survey that you might get thrown the question in interview next term. Perhaps you should have an answer ready! The Smithsonian website has a good article listing Ten Historic Female Scientists – you should read it. A common theme seems to be the young age at which they first developed their interest. One of them, Mary Anning, was only 11 when she dug up what turned out to be the first example of a dinosaur fossil – (named Ichthyosaurus, the “fish-lizard”).

I expect you can name a few male scientists but it might be a good idea to have a brief biography of one up your sleeve in case you are asked. Maybe not Newton, Einstein, Hawking or Darwin – perhaps go for someone less obvious like Hooke, Joule, Jenner, Moseley or Crick. Even better, perhaps you have a family member who is a notable scientist and could find out a little about them. If you have such a connection please write about it in the comments section below.