International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a moment when we particularly clearly recognize the contribution of female researchers to the development of global science. Although history has tended to highlight the achievements of men over the years, many women have not only participated in major discoveries, but have also set new directions for research. Among them are outstanding Polish women whose achievements continue to inspire successive generations of scientists.
Maria Skłodowska-Curie remains a symbol of scientific courage – a two-time Nobel Prize winner, a pioneer in the study of radioactivity, and one of the most recognizable scientists in history. Her work proved that determination, intellectual curiosity, and consistency in pursuing one’s goals can overcome even the strongest social barriers.
However, it is also worth remembering those researchers whose names are less familiar to the general public, even though their achievements were of great importance for the development of science.
One of them is Wilhelmina Iwanowska, an outstanding astronomer associated with the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. She specialized in stellar astrophysics and research into the structure of the Milky Way. She was the first woman in history to become a member of the board of the International Astronomical Union, actively participating in the development of international scientific cooperation. Her career proved that competence and scientific integrity can open doors to the most prestigious research institutions.
Helena Rasiowa, mathematician and co-founder of the Warsaw School of Logic, also deserves special recognition. Her research on Boolean algebra, model theory, and mathematical logic laid the foundations for the development of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. At a time when digital technologies were just beginning to take shape, Rasiowa addressed issues that today form the basis of modern computing systems.
The stories of these scholars show that the development of science has always been the result of diverse perspectives and the courage to ask questions that go beyond the usual patterns. Women not only co-created scientific reality—they were often its silent revolutionaries.
Today, the participation of women in science is steadily growing. In Poland, they already account for more than half of all students, and their presence in doctoral schools is approaching 50 percent. They are also increasingly taking on leadership roles in research teams and managing innovative projects. These data show that the potential of women in science is not only recognized but also increasingly exploited.
However, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science reminds us that there is still a need to strengthen equal opportunities and create an environment conducive to the development of talent. Science needs bold minds—regardless of gender—who are ready to push the boundaries of what we already know.
We wish all women and girls involved in the development of science continued curiosity about the world, courage in pursuing ambitious goals, and satisfaction in discovering the unknown.
