Paris unveils names of 72 female scientists to feature on Eiffel Tower

"Paris' Eiffel Tower features the names of 72 notable scientists - all men. But that is set to change with the addition of another 72 names, this time women who distinguished themselves in the field of science, mathematics or engineering. The city of Paris has revealed the name of 72 women who have distinguished themselves in the scientific field - their names will be written next to those of the 72 men whose names are engraved in gold on the monument."

"Among them is Alice Recoque, a physicist and computer engineer, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 91 and who participated in the creation of the CNIL (French Data Protection Authority). The names of Marie Curie, two-times Nobel Prize winner, Sophie Germain, a self-taught mathematician, and Angélique du Coudray, an obstetrician who reduced infant mortality in the 18th century, will also be included."

Paris will add 72 women’s names to the Eiffel Tower, placing them beside the 72 male scientists already engraved in gold. The names were unveiled in the presence of Mayor Anne Hidalgo and descendants of the women honored. Honorees include Alice Recoque, Marie Curie, Sophie Germain and Angélique du Coudray, among many lesser-known figures. A four-year campaign by the Femmes et Sciences association prompted the tribute to counter the Matilda effect and promote women in science. The installation requires technical work—letters up to 60 centimetres high—and is expected to be completed by early 2027.

Read at The Local France