The Historic Win

On October 7, a groundbreaking moment occurred when Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna became the first women to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Here are five reasons why this achievement fills me with joy.

1. A Milestone for Women

In the 119-year history of the Nobel Prize, women have only won the chemistry award five times, often in partnership with male scientists. This marks a historic first for an all-female team, and it’s a recognition they truly deserve. Their revolutionary discovery is a pivotal advancement in the field of genetics (see #3).

Historically, many exceptional women scientists have been overlooked due to systemic biases favoring white men, leading to their exclusion from history books and prestigious accolades. I recently came across a story detailing 25 remarkable women scientists who never received the recognition they warranted.

This award gives me hope for a future where everyone receives equitable treatment in every profession, including science.

2. Berkeley Triumphs Over Harvard

As a proud supporter of UC Berkeley, this win is particularly significant to me. Although I didn’t attend, my daughter and sister did. Berkeley has a rich history of inclusivity, welcoming women as early as 1871, while Harvard's legacy includes a long exclusion of women until 1894.

The Nobel Prize is also relevant to an ongoing legal conflict between UC Berkeley and Harvard regarding the patent for the groundbreaking invention that earned this award. Despite Dr. Doudna and Dr. Charpentier being the first to publish and apply for the patent, Harvard and MIT rushed through their application, which is typical of systemic privilege.

Winning this prize could influence the legal dispute, potentially ensuring that any profits from the invention benefit the public, rather than enriching a select few.

3. The Revolutionary Invention

Doudna and Charpentier created what is commonly referred to as "genetic scissors," officially known as CRISPR-Cas9. This innovative tool enables precise DNA editing, which may eventually lead to cures for genetic disorders.

Though I'm not a scientist, I found a wonderful visual explanation of the invention and its legal entanglements in The Nib.

The invention has sparked debate over ethical concerns, particularly regarding its potential misuse for creating "designer babies." While there are still moral dilemmas to address, the promise of this technology remains incredibly exciting.

4. The Need for Role Models

Reading "Lab Girl," I was struck by how American society often dissuades girls from pursuing scientific careers. The author, Hope Jahren, reflects on her early experiences and the absence of female scientist role models in her life.

Many young girls lack the encouragement or examples they need to envision themselves as scientists. It's crucial for them to see both male and female scientists represented in various media.

5. Inspiration for Future Generations

While I don’t have a scientific background, my daughter does, having cultivated a love for science in school. The recognition of these two women scientists gives me hope that she too may one day receive accolades for her contributions. Even if she doesn’t achieve global recognition, the achievements of Doudna and Charpentier will likely help pave the way for her to gain the respect and recognition she deserves in her field.

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For further insights from this author, check out:

• I Voted — And I Could Hardly Wait
• Cliff Notes on the 1619 Project and the issues surrounding “patriotic education”