Contributions from Women to the Radiation Sciences: A Brief History

Health Phys. 2017 Apr;112(4):376-383. doi: 10.1097/HP.0000000000000646.

Abstract

Contributions from men to radiation science are well known, particularly the early contributions from such luminaries as William Roentgen, James Chadwick, Niels Bohr, Robert Oppenheimer, and the like. Although not ignored per se, beyond Marie Curie and Lise Meitner, the contributions of female nuclear scientists are not as widely recognized. This paper provides a concise historical summary of contributions to radiation science from the discovery of radiation through the current status of international leadership within the radiation protection community. Beyond lead scientists and academics, this paper also considers support personnel as well as the role women have played in the advancement of radiation epidemiology.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Health Physics / history*
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Internationality
  • Nuclear Physics / history*
  • Radiation Protection / history*
  • Research / history*
  • Science / history*
  • Women / history*