Women Scientists Who Made Nuclear Astrophysics

TL;DR

This paper highlights the contributions of twelve women scientists in nuclear astrophysics, emphasizing the importance of female role models to combat stereotype threat and promote gender equality in science.

Contribution

It presents a curated selection of twelve women scientists who significantly advanced nuclear astrophysics, addressing the lack of visibility for female role models in science history.

Findings

Highlighting the impact of female role models on women in science

Showcasing key contributions of women in nuclear astrophysics

Raising awareness about gender disparities in scientific history

Abstract

Female role models reduce the impact on women of stereotype threat, i.e., of being at risk of conforming to a negative stereotype about one's social, gender, or racial group. This can lead women scientists to underperform or to leave their scientific career because of negative stereotypes such as, not being as talented or as interested in science as men. Sadly, history rarely provides role models for women scientists; instead, it often renders these women invisible. In response to this situation, we present a selection of twelve outstanding women who helped to develop nuclear astrophysics.