Picture yourself as a member of the world’s oldest scientific society, alongside science icons like Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Then picture yourself as one of the first women to enter those revered halls, shattering centuries of prejudice with nothing but a signature. That was what Marjory Stephenson and Kathleen Lonsdale did in 1945, changing the face of science forever. Their pioneering work in biochemistry and crystallography gave them prestigious membership into the Royal Society. But their tales came very close to disappearing from history forever. Eight decades have passed and the society is only now celebrating these trailblazers, reminding everyone of how they got there in the face of adversity. So how did they beat the odds and make history?
Milestone of the Royal Society
1945 was the year the Royal Society started welcoming women. Marjory Stephenson and Kathleen Lonsdale walked in as the first female members, sending shockwaves throughout the world of science. It was recognition long overdue for women’s contributions to science, supported in part by World War II changing social attitudes.
Marjory Stephenson: Biochemistry Pioneer
Stephenson’s pioneering biochemistry work consisted of her isolating the first bacterial enzyme in 1928. Her diligence and thoroughness set the stage for microbiology in our era. Although, titanic in achievement, accolades did not flow effortlessly: her fellowship was a consequence of perseverance and Nobel-winner colleagues’ recommendation.
Kathleen Lonsdale: Crystallography Trailblazer
Lonsdale had cracked the mystery of the benzene ring in 1929, demonstrating the way atoms are positioned in molecules. This completely transformed crystallography. But her fellowship was met with hostility by sceptics who questioned the role of women in science. Lonsdale’s tale is one of genius shrouded by prejudice.
A Symbolic Victory
Their election was both a personal triumph, but also represented a leap forward for all women in science. The text on their fellowship certificates had to be hand-edited from “him” to “her”; a gesture both modest and mighty given what they had to overcome.
Resistance and Support
To everyone’s astonishment, some male colleagues questioned whether women had any role to play in the Royal Society. But both women had powerful sponsors: Nobel Prize winners who testified to their brilliance. This support made skeptics finally believe that women can be excellent scientists too.
Overcoming Legal Barriers
Previous efforts to get women on the ballot were thwarted by old-fashioned legal mindsets. In 1902, physicist Hertha Ayrton’s nomination was defeated on a technicality of law regarding whether married women were “persons.” It wasn’t until social change and a world war that the Royal Society finally admitted women.
Impact on Future Generations
Stephenson and Lonsdale’s achievements opened the door for women to join the profession. Lonsdale was University College London’s first female professor, and Stephenson was president of the Society for General Microbiology. The two proved not only that women could be part of the team but also that they could direct science innovation.
Honoring the Legacy
To celebrate 80 years of their fellowship, the Royal Society is hosting events and exhibitions. Archive documents and specially commissioned films recount the story of these pioneers, capturing the challenges they faced and how their advances transformed the course of science.
A Legacy Unfolding
Lonsdale and Stephenson’s work remains an inspiration to female scientists today. With the Royal Society marking 80 years since that pivotal moment, their bravery and ingenuity still shine through.
Sources
Pioneering scientists who were first female Fellows of the Royal Society commemorated in new documentaries presented by Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock
Pioneering women
Royal Society honours pioneering scientists who were first female members