The Huygens Diversity Lecture on Monday 18 May drew a full and notably diverse audience as Prof. dr. Margriet van der Heijden delivered an engaging talk titled ‘Women in the History of Quantum Physics: Beyond Knabenphysik’. The lecture highlighted both the historical and ongoing underrepresentation of women in physics, while challenging deeply rooted stereotypes about scientific contribution and talent.
Prof. van der Heijden, professor of science communication in physics at Eindhoven University of Technology, explored the persistent question of why women’s representation in physics research remains low, throughout history, till today. Prof. van der Heijden is chair of the international working group: Women in the History of Quantum Physics (WiHQP) project. The WiHQP project aims to bring greater visibility to the contributions of female physicists throughout history, and to dismantle ideas about what scientific progress looks like. Rather than portraying discoveries as the work of a few exceptional (and often male) geniuses, the project emphasises that science is a collective endeavour involving many contributors.
Throughout the lecture, Prof. van der Heijden illustrated this perspective with stories of women in physics whose work has often been overlooked. Among them was Émilie du Châtelet (1706–1749, classical physics and mechanics), Johanna van Leeuwen (1887-1974, theoretical physics) and Chien Shiung Wu (1912-1997, nuclear and particle physics). These examples, she explained, challenge the idea of ‘Knabenphysik’ (literally “boys’ physics”) a term that reflects the traditional framing of physics as a male-dominated field shaped by a handful of male prodigies. By bringing these stories to light, the WiHQP project seeks to present a more accurate and inclusive account of scientific history.
The lecture ended with an interesting discussion on what we can learn from history and the way it is presented: to normalise women in physics throughout history, mainstream gender analysis in historiography of physics and dismantle stereotypical male-dominated narratives on physics. For current times and the future, Prof. van der Heijden highlights the importance of professional networks and the representation of all genders and nationalities in stories about science; a persistent and conscious effort for improvement.
More information on the WiHQP project can be found on their website and we highly recommend the recent book ‘Women in the History of Quantum Physics: Beyond Knabenphysik’ edited by Patrick Charbonneau, Michelle Frank, Margriet van der Heijden and Daniela Monaldi.