Shaping the history of science

Today, we are celebrating International Women’s Day by taking a look back at some of the inspirational women who have shaped both the history of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the history of science itself.

In early 20th century Britain the prevailing attitude towards women in science was chilly at best. Many universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, did not award degrees to women, and our earliest precursor, the Chemical Society did not admit female fellows. The first attempt by a woman to enter the society occurred in November 1892, but it wasn’t until 1920 that women were accorded equal rights to men.

In the meantime female chemists such as Martha Whiteley and Ida Smedley faced a long and unforgiving battle. In 1904 these two determined women presented a petition to the Chemical Society’s Council, signed by 19 women chemists, requesting admission of women to the Fellowship, but it took legal action in the form of the 1919 Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act to finally result in women’s admission to the society. Martha was one of the first female members and later became the first elected to the council.

The achievements of Martha and women like her did not end there. Alongside her battle for admittance to the Chemical Society she was one of only two female professional staff at Imperial College London, and during the war she carried out analytical research on samples from battlefields and bombsites, including mustard gas, which she tested on her own arm. Despite this risky strategy she survived the war and was awarded an OBE for her work. 

Present & future

Women today are continuing to shape the landscape of the chemical sciences, overcoming their own challenges and inspiring a future generation to follow in their footsteps.

Professor Lesley Yellowlees was the only woman in her year to graduate in chemical physics. She is now head of chemistry at the University of Edinburgh.

As the first female president of the Royal Society of Chemistry from 2012–2014, Lesley has been a strong advocate of diversity. She says: "We know that a good, diverse team solves problems quicker, so I really made diversity the main plank of my presidency and I’ve enjoyed showcasing how diversity can bring so much more back into the subject."

Lesley initiated the 175 faces of chemistry project, and was herself profiled as one of the faces.

Professor Annie Bligh, another of our 175 faces of chemistry, is speaking at the International Women’s Day Symposium at the University of Hull on 9 March.

"For me the day is a good chance to focus on a variety of women’s achievements and draw inspiration from them,” she says. “It also gives us an opportunity to discuss the persisting problem of gender inequality – the fact that women often don’t have the same opportunities as men – which continues to undermine the potential of women contributing to society."

She points out that women’s position in academia has improved a great deal since she started out in the 1990s, and encourages everyone to pursue their passion. "More women are prepared to challenge the status quo and realise their abilities to be leaders in their fields. Be brave and go forth to fulfil your dreams."