Retorts

Women in Science

There seems to be implied criticism of my project "New Zealand Women in Science" in your editorial [May]. Unfortunately the magnitude of the project was well beyond my original estimates. Also, I believe the topic is of special significance and deserves a special effort because it records an intensely creative field of endeavour where the contributions of women are not well recorded. The only recent account is Paula Martin's Lives with Science: Profiles of Senior New Zealand Women in Science (1993) which is a useful account but seriously deficient in its coverage, and the comment has been made to me that it includes no South Island women! My project will be published as a book and is scheduled for completion in June 1995.

The theme of the study is achievement by women in science and it includes both contemporary and the early pioneers in all facets of science. The task of obtaining information on the pioneers has been especially difficult and has delayed completion of the study. Information on contemporary scientists comes from submitted CVs, biographical notes and publication records. A special theme considered in the study is the formative years of the scientists that led to their initial interest in science -- the home, primary and secondary school influences. An essay is presented for each woman scientist with a record of her achievements in science as well as any salient features in her career that exemplify the challenges for women in science and how these challenges are overcome.

Over 130 women scientists are included and they range from leaders in science, women who exemplify a special status in science, and women who have developed an interest in science from a different aspect than normal. The selection of scientists for inclusion in the study is based on my own knowledge of New Zealand science and on the recommendation of senior women scientists. Special attention has been paid to women who have reached a high level of achievement in science and have also had extensive family responsibilities.

To provide a framework for the study, a record of the 13 most notable women scientists has been determined. Achievement in science is the basis for this group. These kinds of groupings are always subject to opinion and there is no doubt my compilation of the most notable New Zealand women scientists will be disputed.

A.D. Thomson, Centre for Studies on NZ Science History, Christchurch