Empowering Women Who Changed Science
A Tribute to Six Pioneering Female Scientist Organized by the Spanish Embassy
February 12th, 2025
On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Embassy of Spain in Vienna has launched a special digital campaign to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of women scientists. Taking place on February 11, 2025, this initiative highlights the essential role of women in science, with a focus on gender equality and the promotion of female participation in scientific fields.
The Embassy’s campaign commemorates the life and work of six trailblazing women whose contributions have left a lasting mark not only in Austria and Spain, but globally. The women featured in this campaign represent a wide range of scientific fields, from mathematics and biology to architecture and climatology. Each woman’s achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication to advancing knowledge and improving the world.
Ángela Ruiz Robles (1895–1975), inventor of the “Enciclopedia Mecánica,” is regarded as a pioneer of educational innovation and a precursor to the modern electronic book. Despite her invention never being commercialized, her work remains influential, and she was recognized for her contributions with a Google Doodle in 2021. Her invention aimed to reduce the weight of schoolbooks and improve access to education, showcasing her dedication to transforming the educational landscape.
Herta Taussig Freitag (1908–2000), an Austro-American mathematician, made a profound impact on the study of Fibonacci sequences. Having fled from Nazi oppression, she forged an esteemed academic career in the United States, publishing numerous articles and becoming the first woman to lead a section in the Mathematical Association of America. Her contributions to mathematics have shaped both theoretical and applied research.
Sara García Alonso (1989–present), a molecular biologist and astronaut, exemplifies the merging of scientific research and space exploration. As a researcher at the Spanish National Cancer Research Center, her work focuses on lung cancer treatments. In 2021, she became the first Spanish woman selected as a reserve astronaut for the European Space Agency, an extraordinary achievement in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky (1897–2000) was Austria’s first woman architect and the inventor of the innovative Frankfurt Kitchen, a design that revolutionized domestic space usage. Her contribution to modern architecture and kitchen design was groundbreaking, and her legacy as an architect continued even after her active participation in the anti-fascist resistance during World War II.
Ana Ramos (1950–present), a biologist and marine researcher, pioneered studies on Antarctic marine ecosystems and marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Guinea. Through her leadership of the Bentart project, she discovered over 50 new species to science. Ramos' work on climate change and marine conservation has been critical to the understanding and protection of fragile ecosystems.
Ingeborg Auer (1952–present), an Austrian climatologist, was the driving force behind HISTALP, a comprehensive climate data set for the Alpine region. Her research has provided invaluable insights into the impact of climate change on mountain ecosystems, showing shifts in climate zones and the effects on biodiversity in the Alps.
Through this campaign, the Embassy of Spain in Vienna has not only celebrated these remarkable women but also underscored their essential contributions to science and society. By honoring their achievements, the Embassy aims to inspire future generations of women and girls to pursue careers in science, fostering an environment of equality and opportunity for all.
This initiative serveD as a powerful reminder of the significant role that women have played, and continue to play, in the scientific world. The Embassy of Spain is proud to recognize the exceptional work of these women, whose accomplishments have profoundly impacted their respective fields and the global scientific community. Through their legacy, we are reminded that gender equality in science is not just an aspiration, but a reality that can be achieved with dedication, support, and recognition.
