ThinkHer

We have written a few articles already about the personal beliefs and political convictions of scientists—how these elements shaped not only their worldviews but also their contributions within and beyond their disciplines. Yet, for those of us within the scientific community, it is evident that much of the work, particularly in the physical sciences, is rarely undertaken with the explicit aim of societal benefit. Rather, it is often driven by something more elusive: the raw human desire to understand the world.   I am not trying to claim objectivity or detachment of science from the world’s politics, but to recognize that more often than not, the primary aspiration of science is knowledge for its own sake, and not for immediate technological gain or social application. And yet, this pursuit—so seemingly removed from politics and policy—can ripple outward, shaping our understanding of the universe and, at times, changing the course of history. Chien-Shiung Wu’s career sta...

Many articles in this blog express frustration over how women in science, like Rosalind Franklin, were sidelined and disregarded. I’ve been told that some of my writing carries too much rage and negativity. But T.K. Radha’s story is a partial exception—one of collaboration in science, regardless of gender. Born in Kerala at a time when higher education for women was rare, Radha defied societal expectations to pursue physics. While her sisters were expected to marry early, her family—initially hesitant—eventually supported her education. Excelling in mathematics, she outperformed both her father and brother in academic scores, yet her passion lay in physics. With limited opportunities for women in physics, Presidency College, Madras—the same institution where her father had studied—was her only option. Her mother, wary of sending her daughter to a co-educational institution, resisted the decision, fearing for her safety in a male-dominated environment. It was Radha’s father who ultimate...

The Nobel Prizes hold the status of being one of the most prestigious awards in the world. However, they have their share of controversies. There have been instances of personal negative opinions, political motives, Eurocentrism, and subjective selections, systematically leading to the exclusion of deserving scientists. Lise Meitner is one such scientist.  Born in 1878 (11  years before Adolf Hitler was born) to a Jewish lawyer, Philipp Meitner, and his wife Hedwig, Lise Meitner was a curious young kid. It is said that she always had a notebook under her pillow to note down her scientific research. Her passion for science was understood and supported by her parents. She privately studied physics, since during that time women were not admitted to public institutions. In 1905 she became the second woman to earn a doctoral degree from the university of Vienna.  After a doctoral degree her best local job prospect was to work in a gas lamp factory, which didn't appeal to her. ...