We need to talk about the women founders of modern science: Meet Ruby Payne-Scott

 

Collage by Reggie Slater

Ruby Payne-Scott was an Australian Radiophysicist who lived from 1912 to 1981. As Master’s holder in Physics from the University of Sydney, Ruby worked at Australian government’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. There she worked on projects that contributed to solar radio astronomy, helped evolve radar technology during WW2, and so on. Her determination and skill allowed her to prosper within a male dominated environment. She fought back against the notion that married women should not remain in the workforce until higher ups within the organization, hiding her marriage status from all expect close co-workers in order to keep working. When the organization finally found out her about her marriage, she lost her position, and soon after resigned.

 

To read more about Ruby Payne-Scott:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/29/obituaries/ruby-payne-scott-overlooked.html

https://scientificwomen.net/women/payne-scott-ruby-125

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/paynescott-ruby-violet-15036

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