Throughout history, women have made groundbreaking contributions to science, often in the face of immense barriers. From the hidden figures of space exploration to today’s innovators pushing the boundaries of medicine, physics, and technology, women have illuminated the world with their discoveries. And yet, they are still underrepresented in many scientific fields.

That’s why International Day of Women and Girls in Science is so important. It’s a chance to celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped our understanding of the world and to encourage the next generation to follow in their footsteps.

Pioneers of science: the women who changed the world

Many of history’s greatest scientific breakthroughs would not have been possible without the dedication and brilliance of female scientists.

• Marie Curie revolutionised our understanding of radioactivity and became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize - and the only woman to be awarded in two different scientific fields.

• Patricia Bath was a pioneering ophthalmologist who invented laser cataract surgery and revolutionised vision restoration.

• Margaret Livingstone is a neuroscientist whose research on how the brain processes visual information has influenced our understanding of sight and perception.

• Rosalind Franklin provided the crucial X-ray images that led to the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure, a breakthrough often credited to Watson and Crick.

• Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician whose calculations enabled the first human spaceflights, helping to put astronauts safely on the Moon.

• Ada Lovelace was a 19th-century mathematician who envisioned the potential of computers long before they existed, earning her the title of the world’s first computer programmer.

• Dorothy Hodgkin advanced the field of biochemistry through her work on the structure of important biochemical substances, including penicillin and insulin.

• Barbara McClintock was a pioneering geneticist who discovered "jumping genes" and made significant contributions to the field of cytogenetics.

• Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin was an astrophysicist who determined that stars are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, revolutionising the field of astronomy.

• Alice Ball developed the first effective treatment for Hansen’s disease (leprosy), paving the way for modern medicine.

• Beatrice Tinsley was an astrophysicist whose work on galaxy evolution contributed to our understanding of how light travels across the universe.

• Grace Hopper, a computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral, developed the first compiler for a programming language and paved the way for modern computing.

• Lise Meitner was a physicist who contributed to the discovery of nuclear fission, an achievement that would change the course of history.

• Chien-Shiung Wu, known as the "First Lady of Physics," made significant contributions to nuclear physics and experimental research.

• Mary Anning, a pioneering palaeontologist, made groundbreaking fossil discoveries that shaped the field of geology.

• Vitamin B12 Research Team included notable women whose work in the field of biochemistry led to advancements in medicine and nutrition.

• First female innovators like Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to graduate from medical school in the United States, paved the way for women in medicine and beyond.

• Women in computing, such as Margaret Hamilton, played a critical role in developing the software that landed humans on the Moon.

Despite their achievements, many of these women were overlooked in their time. Even today, women make up only around 30% of the world's researchers. The gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is narrowing, but there is still work to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities to contribute and thrive in scientific fields.

Science in everyday life – and in our lights

Science is all around us, shaping the way we see and experience the world. At Serious Readers, we incorporate scientific principles into our lighting design to create a more comfortable and effective reading experience. By mimicking the daylight spectrum, our lights help improve clarity, enhance colour accuracy, and reduce eye strain - helping you see more clearly for longer.

From carefully selected wavelengths to precision engineering, our lights are designed with an understanding of how light interacts with the human eye. We’re proud to take inspiration from science to bring better lighting into your home - ensuring you can focus, relax, and enjoy your favourite activities with ease.

Florence Nightingale, known as the founder of modern nursing, also recognised the crucial role of light in health and healing, stating: “It is the unqualified result of all my experience with the sick that, second only to their need of fresh air, is their need of light; that, after a close room, what hurts them most is a dark room and that it is not only light but direct sunlight they want.”

Inspiring the next generation

Encouraging more women and girls to pursue science starts with visibility. Seeing female scientists celebrated, represented, and supported can inspire young minds to follow in their footsteps.

If you have a daughter, granddaughter, or young woman in your life with a passion for curiosity and discovery, support her. Encourage her interests, show her examples of female scientists making waves in the world, and remind her that she belongs in any field she chooses.

This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s celebrate the past, present, and future pioneers of discovery. Whether they’re decoding the mysteries of the universe or perfecting the technology that enhances our daily lives, their contributions matter. And the world is brighter because of them.