For this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Royal Society has introduced an interactive map that highlights the contributions of historical women to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across the UK. At present, the map showcases landmarks, monuments, and locations tied to approximately 50 female scientists, inviting the public to add more connections to renowned female scientists to enhance the map of scientific history.
Several prominent landmarks are situated near the Royal Society’s headquarters in London. Among these is the National Portrait Gallery, which features a portrait of Dorothy Hodgkin (1910–1994), a trailblazer in crystallography. A statue of Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) is positioned at Waterloo Place, commemorating her contribution to modern nursing. Additionally, the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Burlington House is acknowledged for being the location where Kathleen Lonsdale (1903–1971), an x-ray crystallographer, and Marjory Stephenson (1885–1948), a microbiologist, became the first two female fellows of the Royal Society in 1945.
Other significant sites are distributed throughout the UK. The University of Dundee in Scotland has a plaque honoring Williamina Fleming (1857–1911), an astronomer celebrated for discovering the first white dwarf star and over 50 nebulae. In north Wales, the National Trust house linked to Anna McLaren (1927–2007), an embryologist instrumental in the development of human IVF treatment, is accessible for public visits.
Rebekah Higgitt, a science curator at National Museums Scotland, commented on Bluesky regarding the limited representation of women on the map thus far, urging the #histsci community to propose additional landmarks. The Royal Society continues to encourage public contributions to ensure the map thoroughly represents and honors the contributions of women in science.
Despite advancements, female scientists comprise just over 30% of the global scientific workforce, a figure still below gender parity. A report by the International Science Council emphasizes the ongoing underrepresentation of women in scientific organizations, with women making up only a fifth of the members in national academies and occupying similarly low leadership positions. The report highlights that entrenched practices, rather than a scarcity of qualified women, often determine who is acknowledged and heard in scientific communities.