The women who changed the history of science

Today, February 11, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Starting with the movie "Hidden Figures," which brought to light the story of these women who for a long time were left out of the books, we also shine a light on Brazilian women - who have a strong presence in science. In a combination of talent and determination, they have left an immeasurable legacy in the history of science and space exploration.

The movie "Hidden Figures," released in 2016, is based on the book by author Margot Lee Shetterly. It tells the story of three Black female scientists who played a role in the U.S. space race during the 1960s. Working at NASA, they faced the racism and sexism of the time while helping to launch the first American astronauts into orbit.

The characters in the film are: Katharine Johnson, responsible for calculating re-entry for the space capsule; Dorothy Vaughan, one of the only Black (not formally) supervisors at NASA; and Mary Jackson, the first Black engineer at NASA. They were considered 'human computers' and were hired to perform calculations and trajectory analyses, which later, with the help of IBM mainframes, created the calculations that allowed John Glenn to become the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth.

Katherine Johnson:

From a young age, she showed remarkable talent in mathematics. She finished high school at 14 and graduated in mathematics and French at 18, after having taken all possible math courses. In 1953, she joined NASA and became one of the “human computers.” Her main job was to read data from the black boxes of airplanes and perform other precise mathematical tasks. One day, she was assigned temporarily to help a flight research team composed only of men. Her knowledge in analytical geometry earned her the trust of her male colleagues and superiors to the point that they forgot to send her back to her old job. But it wasn’t that simple; she had to face barriers of race and gender, such as using a bathroom that was about a 40-minute walk from her workstation, as she could not use the white people’s bathroom or have her coffee cup mixed with others'. But nothing made her give up her work. In 2015, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

“I counted everything. I counted the steps on the street, the steps to the church, the number of dishes I had washed. Everything that could be counted.

Mary Jackson:

A Black woman who was educated in mathematics and physics. Her life principles were a love for science and a commitment to improving the lives of those around her. She started her career at NASA as a Human Computer - she specialized in analyzing data from wind tunnel experiments and aircraft in experiments conducted by NASA. She was also the first Black woman to become an engineer, after fighting against the existing rules at the time when Black women could not study alongside men. Years later, she began working in diversity and inclusion at NASA, advocating for the hiring and promotion of women and Black people in the agency.

Dorothy Vaughan:

First Black woman to be promoted to supervisor of the department at NASA. She was a leader in her workspace, encouraging the careers of Katherine and Mary, recommending them for new positions. She was very intelligent and had a breakthrough when the non-human computers from IBM were introduced at NASA - she was responsible for programming the mainframes and teaching all the women in the department she led. She was one of the first computer programmers, becoming proficient in programming languages such as FORTRAN, for example.

The film brought to light the history of these women who, for a long time, were left out of history books. Besides inspiring girls and women to pursue careers in science and technology, "Hidden Figures" reinforces the importance of diversity in innovation and scientific progress. In 2021, NASA renamed one of its most important buildings as Mary W. Jackson Building, in honor of the engineer.

Here, we have just three women who changed the history of NASA. In Brazil, the presence of women in science dates back years. Like in many parts of the world, these scientists faced and still face challenges, including lack of recognition and inequality of opportunities.

Playing an essential role in research and developing solutions for major challenges of humanity, they prove that science needs diversity to advance.

Pioneers of science in Brazil

Bertha Lutz (1894-1976) – The biologist who was also a feminist leader

Bertha Lutz was one of Brazil’s first female scientists. A zoologist and researcher at the National Museum, she specialized in amphibians and discovered new species. But her impact was not limited to science: she was one of the main drivers for the fight for women's voting rights in Brazil.

Johanna Döbereiner (1924-2000) – The scientist who revolutionized agriculture

A agronomic engineer and microbiologist, Johanna Döbereiner had a direct impact on food production in Brazil. Her research on biological nitrogen fixation allowed for a reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers, making soybean production in the country more sustainable. Her contribution was so significant that she was even nominated for the Nobel Prize.

Research led by Brazilian women that changed the world

Mayana Zatz – Genetics and research on rare diseases

One of Brazil’s most renowned scientists, Mayana Zatz is an international reference in genetic research. A professor at USP, her work focuses on studying neuromuscular diseases and applying genetics to treat health problems. Her research was essential in identifying genes related to muscular dystrophy and other rare diseases.

Sônia Guimarães – The first Black woman to obtain a PhD in Physics in Brazil

Specializing in semiconductors and nanotechnology, Sônia Guimarães was the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Physics in Brazil. A professor at ITA (Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica), she works to encourage more Black girls to pursue scientific careers.

Celina Turchi – The scientist who linked the Zika virus to microcephaly

During the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil, doctor and epidemiologist Celina Turchi led research that proved the relationship between the virus and cases of microcephaly in babies. Her work was crucial in alerting the world about the risks of the disease and helped formulate public policies to combat its spread.

Jaqueline Goes de Jesus – The scientist who sequenced the coronavirus genome

In 2020, biomedical Jaqueline Goes de Jesus made history by leading the team that sequenced the coronavirus genome in just 48 hours after the first case in Brazil. This advancement was crucial in understanding the virus's spread and contributed to the development of vaccines.

Natália Pasternak – The voice of science during the pandemic

A microbiologist, researcher, and science communicator, Natália Pasternak had an important role in combating misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work helped clarify the population about the importance of science and vaccination.

The future of science in Brazil: more women in research

In Brazil, women represent 54% of researchers, but they are still a minority in leadership positions. Moreover, the disparity in funding for women-led research is a challenge.

Initiatives such as Girls in Science, Women and Science Program, and STEM Girls Project have encouraged girls to develop an interest in scientific careers, ensuring that more female names shine in Brazilian science in the future.