Recognizing women
Neuroscience has never advanced without the contributions of women, and it never will. Today, on International Women’s Day, I want to recognize both the pioneering women whose groundbreaking discoveries shaped our understanding of the brain and the women who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support scientific progress. Women like Rita Levi-Montalcini, whose discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF) transformed our understanding of neurodevelopment, and Brenda Milner, whose pioneering research on memory and the hippocampus laid the foundation for modern cognitive neuroscience. Marian Diamond proved that the brain is plastic and capable of change, paving the way for neuroplasticity research. Patricia Goldman-Rakic revolutionized our knowledge of the prefrontal cortex and working memory, and Evelyn Witkin’s groundbreaking research on DNA repair mechanisms indirectly advanced our understanding of neurological disorders. These women changed the way we study the brain, yet their names are often overshadowed. But progress is not just about those in history books it’s about the women working today, often behind the scenes, to ensure research moves forward. I am especially grateful for my research assistant, a dedicated medical student, Aruna Misir, who works diligently to help publish my work. Her intelligence, perseverance, and commitment remind me that no discovery happens in isolation. I also want to recognize the incredible women in my office, whose support makes research and patient care possible. Their hard work, often unseen, is the foundation of scientific achievement. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the women—past and present whose brilliance, effort, and resilience continue to shape the future of neuroscience. #Neuroscience #WomenInSTEM #InternationalWomensDay #HiddenFigures #BrainScience