Meet the Physicist Who Writes Wikipedia Biographies to Celebrate Women Scientists

Jessica Wade, a physicist at Imperial College London, is not content with just working in a male-dominated laboratory. In her mission to promote gender equality in science, she spends her evenings writing biographies on Wikipedia about women researchers who have been overlooked. She believes that celebrating and honoring the achievements of women scientists is a crucial step towards encouraging more women to pursue careers in science. As a physicist, Wade is involved in developing carbon-based semiconductors for energy-efficient devices. However, she is disheartened by the lack of diversity in her field. Wade realizes that the underrepresentation of women in science not only affects the opportunities available but also impacts the questions asked, the directions taken, and the societal benefits derived from scientific innovations. Recognizing Wikipedia's wide reach as a platform for disseminating knowledge, Wade embarked on a personal mission to address the gender gap on the platform. Since 2018, she has written nearly 2,000 biographies, dedicating one hour each night to this effort. Her goal is to ensure that the online world recognizes the contributions of women scientists. Wade's contributions have had a profound impact. She shed light on the oceanographic research of climatologist Kim Cobb and celebrated the achievements of mathematician Gladys West, whose calculations led to the development of GPS. Through her work, Wade emphasizes the importance of acknowledgement and representation, helping these women gain recognition and inspiring others in the process. Wade is now part of a network of women editors and conducts workshops to empower others to contribute. Wade's dedication and determination highlight the power of individual efforts to address gender disparities in science and pave the way for a more inclusive future.