TODAY, I am writing about one of the most remarkable Scottish women scientists that ever lived, Williamina Fleming (1857-1911). Largely because she is often thought of as an American astronomer, I suspect her story will not be known to many readers but she was very much Scottish and truly was a pioneer in her time.
Readers may recall that on Saturday, February 11, we will celebrate the eighth International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It will be marked across Scotland and the growing role of women in STEM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – will be highlighted.
I have taken STEM in its broadest sense, particularly science, and in the run-up to February 11, I have promised to do my bit for Scottish women in science by presenting stories from history about extraordinary female Scots and their achievements that you may possibly have never heard about, and I began last week with Victoria Drummond, the UK’s first certificated female marine engineer.
