Today is International Women's Day, a holiday dedicated to women. For a long time, the scientific field has been perceived as predominantly male, and although women have been relatively underrepresented in this field, countless female scientists have left profound footprints with their resilience and intelligence. Their contributions have not only shaped the history of science but also inspired numerous women to engage in scientific exploration, deepening our understanding of the universe and life. Let us pay tribute to these great women and acknowledge their power!
Pioneer of Structural Biology - Professor Dorothy Hodgkin
Dorothy Hodgkin was an outstanding British chemist who specialized in the field of X-ray crystallography. She gained fame for successfully determining the complex structures of various large molecules such as penicillin, vitamin B12, and insulin using X-ray techniques. In 1966, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her contributions to molecular structure determination, making her the third woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry after Marie Curie, and the second woman to solely win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (the first being Marie Curie).
Discoverer of "Jumping Genes" - Professor Barbara McClintock
Barbara McClintock was an exceptional American geneticist and botanist known for her groundbreaking research in maize genetics. Her work revealed that genes can jump from one position on a chromosome to another, even from one chromosome to another. This discovery provided important breakthroughs in studying gene expression and regulation, gene evolution, and carcinogenesis. In 1983, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her groundbreaking discoveries in the field of genetics. She was the first woman scientist to independently receive a Nobel Prize in the field of genetics and the third woman overall to be recognized with a Nobel Prize.
Mother of Artemisinin - Professor Tu Youyou
Tu Youyou is an outstanding Chinese pharmaceutical scientist and the Chief Scientist at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Together with her research team, she successfully extracted a revolutionary anti-malarial compound called artemisinin from sweet wormwood. In order to test the safety and effectiveness of this compound, she bravely became the first human subject to undergo experimentation. Since the discovery of artemisinin in the 1970s, millions of lives have been saved with anti-malarial drugs based on this substance. In 2015, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her exceptional contributions to the field of medicine, becoming the first Chinese scientist to receive a Nobel Prize in medicine.
Master of Enzyme Evolution - Professor Frances Arnold
Frances Arnold is an outstanding American chemist and engineer known for her research on directed enzyme evolution. She pioneered the method of "directed evolution" for designing new and improved enzymes. As enzymes are vital catalysts for chemical reactions, her research has facilitated the widespread application of this technology in biotechnology, bioengineering, and the production of biofuels and pharmaceuticals. In 2018, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her remarkable contributions to "the directed evolution of enzymes." She is the fifth woman in history to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
These women's achievements not only showcase their individual talents but also serve as the best embodiment of gender equality. Their remarkable accomplishments will continue to illuminate the paths of all future women, not only in the field of science but also in every field they choose to pursue!
Whether in the fields of technology, art, education, or politics,
Countless outstanding women are leading the way and changing the world.
Their wisdom and courage not only empower themselves
But also inspire the development of all humanity!
May you continue to shine with fearless, resilient, and great brilliance
In the days to come, live your life to the fullest, live a wonderful life!
Lastly, I would like to say to all my female compatriots:
Happy Women's Day!
