Scientific Computing in the Cavendish Laboratory and the pioneering women Computors

TL;DR

This paper examines the historical role of women as computer operators and programmers in radio astronomy and X-ray crystallography at the Cavendish Laboratory from 1949 to 1975, highlighting their significant contributions amidst technological advancements.

Contribution

It provides a detailed historical analysis of women’s roles in early computing at the Cavendish Laboratory, emphasizing their contributions as operators and programmers in scientific research.

Findings

Women comprised 57-62% of computer operators and programmers.

Use of EDSAC, EDSAC 2, and TITAN increased over time.

Women’s authorship in papers was very low, at 4-13%.

Abstract

The use of computers and the role of women in radio astronomy and X-ray crystallography research at the Cavendish Laboratory between 1949 and 1975 have been investigated. We recorded examples of when computers were used, what they were used for and who used them from hundreds of papers published during these years. The use of the EDSAC, EDSAC 2 and TITAN computers was found to increase considerably over this time-scale and they were used for a diverse range of applications. The majority of references to computer operators and programmers referred to women, 57% for astronomy and 62% for crystallography, in contrast to a very small proportion, 4% and 13% respectively, of female authors of papers.