Breaking the Glass Ceiling of Science: The First Eleven Women to Become Fellows of the Royal Society 1945-54

In 1945 women joined the ranks of the Royal Society, the UK’s premier scientific academy, for the first time. Over the next decade, 11 women became FRSs. Few of these women are well known, yet they all made extraordinary contributions to the sciences and medical treatments, helping shape the postwar world. Dame Honor Fell led the laboratory that developed the techniques that led to IVF; Dorothy Hodgkin worked out the structure of penicillin; Muriel Robertson helped reduce the impact of sleeping sickness; Agnes Arbor and Sidnie Manton were recognised naturalists. All battled prejudice and hardship, their journeys involving travel, political persecution and exhausting hours in areas traditionally dominated by men. Their achievements made cracks in the glass ceiling, making it easier for later generations of young women to enjoy careers in science. This book pays tribute to their achievements, and considers why many have slipped from our memories.