The Vera C. Rubin Observatory will help astronomers investigate dark matter, continuing the legacy of its pioneering namesake

Vera C. Rubin’s research into stars in galaxies led to the modern understanding of dark matter.

Samantha Thompson, Astronomy Curator, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution • conversation
June 24, 2025 ~9 min

The five scholars who won two Nobel Prizes — and what sets them apart

Winning a Nobel Prize is a rare achievement, but some researchers have been awarded more than one.

Sam McKee, Tutor and researcher in Philosophy of Science, Manchester Metropolitan University • conversation
July 9, 2024 ~7 min


Florence Bell died unrecognised for her contributions to DNA science – decades on female researchers are still being sidelined

In the academic world, researchers are rewarded for publishing frequently. Not only is this affecting research quality but it is also hindering female scientists.

Natalia I. Kucirkova, Professor Reading and Early Childhood Development, The Open University • conversation
Nov. 22, 2023 ~7 min

Female physicists aren't represented in the media – and this lack of representation hurts the physics field

The trailer for ‘Oppenheimer’ fails to include female physicists, which is indicative of a broader media trend that, if reversed, could lead to greater gender diversity in science.

Chandralekha Singh, Distinguished Professor of Physics, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
July 12, 2023 ~8 min

How amateur scientists are still helping make important discoveries

Mary Anning, Thomas Bopp and Ben Bacon are just a few of the nonprofessionals who pushed the frontiers of science.

Mark Lorch, Professor of Science Communication and Chemistry, University of Hull • conversation
March 1, 2023 ~8 min

Ada Lovelace's skills with language, music and needlepoint contributed to her pioneering work in computing

Lovelace was a prodigious math talent who learned from the giants of her time, but her linguistic and creative abilities were also important in her invention of computer programming.

Corinna Schlombs, Associate Professor of History, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
Dec. 8, 2022 ~8 min

Fishing, strip clubs and golf: How male-focused networking in medicine blocks female colleagues from top jobs

By surveying over 100 people in academic medicine, a researcher found that women are consistently excluded from important networking activities like watching sports, drinking at bars and playing golf.

Jennifer R. Grandis, Distinguished Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
April 8, 2022 ~9 min

Women's History Month: 5 groundbreaking researchers who mapped the ocean floor, tested atomic theories, vanquished malaria and more

Discover the stories of five trailblazing women – Tharp, Nice, Tu, Noether and Wu – who worked in STEM during the 20th century.

Maggie Villiger, Senior Science + Technology Editor • conversation
March 4, 2022 ~7 min


More women in a STEM field leads people to label it as a 'soft science,' according to new research

The proportion of women in a discipline influences how rigorous and trustworthy people rate the field overall, as well as whether they categorize a STEM field as a ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ science.

Alysson Light, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of the Sciences • conversation
Jan. 24, 2022 ~7 min

Surveys of scientists show women and young academics suffered most during pandemic and may face long-term career consequences

Many scientists stuck at home during university closures dealt with increased domestic responsibilities. But some groups had it worse than others.

Timothy P. Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Public Administration, University of Illinois at Chicago • conversation
Dec. 16, 2021 ~9 min

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