On March 8th, we celebrate International Women’s Day, a day to reflect on the progress made by women in all areas of life and to continue fighting for gender equality. In the field of science, women have made significant contributions, often silently and without the deserved recognition. This is particularly the case in the field of hydrogen, a technology with enormous potential for the future of energy.
Although the history of hydrogen focuses on male figures like Paracelsus, Cavendish, and Lavoisier, women have made significant contributions to the development of this element. A notable example is Marie Anne Paulze Lavoisier, the wife of Antoine Lavoisier.
While not formally recognized for her work, Marie Anne actively collaborated with her husband in their research. She conducted experiments, translated scientific texts, and contributed to the development of Lavoisier’s ideas on combustion and air composition, including the study of hydrogen.
Her role extended beyond laboratory tasks; she was also an intellectual in her own right, with a deep understanding of chemistry and other sciences. Their joint work was fundamental to advancing the understanding of hydrogen and chemistry in general.
Just like her, many other women throughout history have been relegated to working in the shadows and simply remain unknown to most people, including those of us who work in this industry. One such example is:
In early history:
Dorothy Hodgkin (1910-1994): British chemist pioneering the use of X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of molecules. Her work with vitamin B12 contributed to the development of hydrogen electrocatalysis.
In research and development:
Gertrude Elion (1918-1999): American biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1988 for her work in developing new drugs. She also contributed to the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Kathryn Bullock (1956-present): American chemist who has conducted important research in hydrogen electrocatalysis. Her work has helped improve the efficiency and profitability of green hydrogen production.
But there is one in particular that I want to highlight on this day: Cecilia Payne, The astronomer who revolutionized our understanding of the universe.
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin was a British-American astronomer and astrophysicist born in 1900. Her work in the 1920s revolutionized our understanding of stars, including their chemical composition.
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
In her 1925 doctoral thesis, Payne used the theory of ionization to analyze starlight and determine its composition. Her analysis revealed that hydrogen was the most abundant element in stars, much more so than previously believed. This discovery was initially met with skepticism by the scientific community as it challenged preconceived ideas about the universe’s composition.
Over time, Payne’s work was recognized as a fundamental breakthrough in astrophysics. Her doctoral thesis laid the groundwork for further research on the composition and evolution of stars. Her studies also contributed to understanding the abundance of elements in the universe.
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin was a trailblazer in the field of astrophysics. Her work paved the way for other female scientists and challenged gender norms in academia. Throughout her career, Payne-Gaposchkin published over 200 articles and books and received numerous awards for her work.
Beyond hydrogen:
While Payne’s discovery of hydrogen’s abundance in stars is her best-known achievement, she also made significant contributions in other areas. She studied the relationship between the temperature and luminosity of stars, classified variable stars, and conducted research on the structure of the Milky Way.
Despite her significant impact on science, Cecilia Payne’s name is not as well-known as that of other scientists of her time. This is partly due to the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. However, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of scientists, and her work remains essential to our understanding of the universe.
Cecilia Payne reminds us that science is not just about big names and abstract theories. It is also the story of passionate individuals who, through their work and dedication, unveil the secrets of the universe. Her story is a call to action for everyone, men and women alike, to have the opportunity to contribute to scientific knowledge and build a better future.
What is even more inspiring is that women are leading the way in this green hydrogen revolution. Despite the barriers and challenges they face in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) industry, women are making significant contributions in all aspects of green hydrogen development, from research and development to business leadership.
Some notable women today:
Jane C.S. Chang: An American chemical engineer who has made significant contributions to the development of hydrogen storage technologies.
Susan Hockaday: A British physical chemist who has led research in hydrogen production from biomass.
MarÃa Retuerto
MarÃa Retuerto: A Spanish scientist working on the development of new materials for green hydrogen production through water electrolysis. Her research aims to make this technology more efficient and accessible.
In 2021, for her work “on advanced systems to optimize polymer electrolysis, an ideal technology for storing renewable energies in the form of green hydrogen,” she received the L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award in Spain 2020/2021 for researchers under forty years old.
Events and conferences such as the Women in Hydrogen Global Conference 2024, the H2LAC Women in Hydrogen Forum 2024, and the RENMAD Awards Chile 2024 are highlighting the growing participation and contribution of women in the green hydrogen industry. These events provide a platform for women leaders from around the world to share their knowledge, experiences, and ideas to drive the development of this technology and create a more sustainable future.
However, despite the progress made, there is still much work to be done. According to recent data, women represent only 24% of the workforce in the energy sector, and their participation in the field of green hydrogen is even lower, at around 15%. This underscores the need to continue promoting women’s participation in this industry and removing the barriers they still face.
It is crucial to promote events and initiatives that encourage women’s participation in the green hydrogen industry. This will not only help increase their representation in the field but also contribute to building a more sustainable and inclusive future, where women have the same opportunities as men to lead change. Together, we can achieve a greener and more equitable world.
By. Catherine Lafaurie / Fuel Cells Works
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