Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History month, we are celebrating the careers and contributions of women in physics and the allied sciences. No less than 100 years ago, women were rarely recognized by the scientific community, often overshadowed by their male colleagues. Nevertheless, a few scientists like Marie Curie, Maria Goeppert-Mayer, and Lise Meitner were independently recognized for their publications, awards, and careers. Also included in this month’s feature are modern scientists carrying the torch, such as Mildred Dresselhaus and Yvonne Elsworth. Today, the careers of women in physics and the allied sciences span government science, industrial physics and academia. Women are still under-represented in the physical sciences, but the physics community is addressing this problem. AIP’s History Programs have produced a teaching guide on the history of women in the physical sciences, partly to provide real, recognizable role models for young, potential scientists. Please enjoy this featured selection from our historical photos collection of these talented individuals. To see more images like the ones we’ve selected, type the name of the physicist into the search engine, or try: Women in Science .