Who gets to be a genius? Matilda effect and the women missing from science
The article explores the 'Matilda Effect,' a phenomenon where the contributions of women scientists are historically overlooked or credited to male colleagues. It highlights the struggle of Kamala Bhagvat, who overcame gender-based discrimination to achieve significant scientific breakthroughs.
Why it matters
Understanding historical systemic bias in academia is essential for addressing contemporary gender disparities in STEM fields.
Albert Einstein is probably the most quoted scientist in the world, and among the lines most popularly credited to him is one he almost certainly never said.“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”But there are some fish out there who have been told neither the water nor the trees are for them.In 1933, a chemistry graduate named Kamala Bhagvat applied for a research place at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.
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