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Marie Curie voted greatest female scientist

Marie Curie, the Nobel Prize-winning nuclear physicist has been voted the greatest woman scientist of all time.

Marie Curie has been voted the greatest woman scientist of all time. Photo: PA
The Polish-born researcher, who discovered radiation therapy could treat cancer, won just over a quarter of the poll (25.1 per cent) - almost twice as much as her nearest rival Rosalind Franklin (14.2 per cent), the English biophysicist who helped discover the structure of DNA.

Only two modern role models made the top ten - astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell came fourth (4.7 per cent) and Dr Jane Goodall, the world famous primatologist, was tenth (2.7 per cent).

Dr Roger Highfield, editor of New Scientist magazine which carried out the survey, said: "The poll indicates the vital need to celebrate and raise awareness of the many female scientists who have shaped modern science since Marie Curie - and who are making a bigger contribution than ever."

He said it highlights data from the UK Resource Centre For Women in Science, Engineering and Technology, showing women remain under-represented in science in the UK - comprising less than 30 per cent of those in research positions in universities with lower proportions at later career stages.

Posted on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 2:50 PM | Comments (0) | Return

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