In 1828 the Royal Astronomical Society awarded its gold medal to Caroline Herschel, the first woman to receive the prize. It wouldn't be awarded to another woman until 1996.

Herschel was also the first woman to be paid for her contribution to science for the discovery of six new comets.

On what would be her 266th birthday, Herschel has been honoured with a Google Doodle. The Doodle shows Herschel searching the skies for comets through her telescope.  - The Telegraph

It took 168 years for this medal to be awarded to another woman, Vera Rubin,  in 1996. Vera developed an interest in science at 10 years old.  (her father was an electrical engineer)  

It was her pioneering work on galaxy rotation rates and the descrepancy that she uncovered, that lead to the discovery of dark matter.


I wonder just how many new discoveries we have missed out on, in that 168 year period alone, due to STEM being seen as a man's field of study or women simply not being credited for their work.  


Individuals often question why there are STEM initiatives in place for women.  This blog highlights one of many reasons.  


By excluding half of the talent pool, we are missing out on groundbreaking advances.  Tapping into this talent not only helps to boost the ecomony but leads to amazing new and incredible breakthroughs that can change the world and our understanding of it.


Lets hope that we close this gap and that more women encouraged in to STEM careers and have the opportunity to make discoveries and be recognised for them.