Celebrating the International Day of Women & Girls in Science

Poland has a rich legacy of scientific achievement, with many outstanding women making significant strides in their respective fields. Their innovations in physics, chemistry, medicine and mathematics have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also paved the way for future generations. Here, we spotlight four influential Polish scientists whose groundbreaking work continues to inspire and shape the world of STEM.

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie (1867 – 1934): A two-time Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist, known for her discoveries of polonium and radium, as well as her groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Her work revolutionized medicine and physics, leading to advancements in cancer treatment and nuclear energy. Despite facing numerous barriers as a woman in science, she became the first female professor at the University of Paris and remains one of the most influential scientists in history.
• Stefania Jabłońska (1920 – 2017): A dermatologist whose research on the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and skin cancer contributed to the development of modern treatments and vaccines. She was a pioneer in dermatopathology, significantly advancing the understanding of skin diseases. Jabłońska’s work laid the foundation for one of the most significant medical breakthroughs - the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer.
• Magdalena Fikus (born 1936): She is a molecular biologist and science communicator who played a key role in making science accessible to the public through education and outreach initiatives. She has dedicated her career to promoting scientific literacy, organizing public lectures, and writing extensively about biotechnology and genetics. Fikus’ work has helped bridge the gap between the scientific community and society, making complex topics understandable to a wider audience.
• Maria Siemionow (born 1950): Maria is a surgeon and transplant specialist renowned for performing the first near-total face transplant in the United States, advancing reconstructive surgery. Her groundbreaking operation changed the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, giving hope to patients with severe facial injuries. Siemionow has received numerous international awards and continues to lead research in tissue transplantation.

Bulgaria’s scientific landscape has been shaped by the remarkable achievements of women who have pushed the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Excelling in fields such as medicine, physics, engineering and biology, these pioneers have left a lasting legacy. Below, we celebrate four outstanding Bulgarian scientists whose contributions continue to inspire future generations.

• Elizaveta Karamihailova (1897 – 1968): Elizaveta Karamihailova was a pioneering Bulgarian nuclear physicist whose research played a crucial role in early nuclear science. She was the first woman in Bulgaria to earn a professorship in physics and made significant contributions to the study of radioactivity. One of her most remarkable achievements was her research on a previously unknown type of radiation emitted from polonium – later recognized as neutron radiation – providing key experimental evidence that paved the way for James Chadwick’s discovery of the neutron. In Bulgaria, Karamihailova founded the first experimental nuclear physics laboratory in the country, fostering research in radioactivity.
• Srebra Rodopska (1913 – 2006): Srebra Rodopska was a pioneering Bulgarian microbiologist who developed Bulgaria’s first BCG vaccine against tuberculosis. She introduced the BCG strain to Bulgaria and, after intense experimental work, began a large-scale production of the vaccine. Under her leadership, a national tuberculosis immunization program was launched in 1951, significantly reducing infection rates. Her contributions helped shape immunization programs in other countries, and her research influenced global approaches to tuberculosis prevention. Through her scientific achievements and international collaborations, she left a lasting impact on public health worldwide.
• Violeta Ivanova (birth year not disclosed): Violeta Ivanova is a prominent Bulgarian astronomer known for her significant contributions to asteroid discovery. Between 1984 and 1988, she co-discovered 12 asteroids, including Atanasov, Plovdiv, and Kliment Ohridski, alongside her colleagues at the Institute of Astronomy of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Under her leadership, over 100 small planets were discovered. In recognition of her achievements, asteroid 4365 was named after her – “Ivanova”.
• Maria Spasova (born 1979): Maria Spasova is a Bulgarian chemist renowned for her work in biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. She played a key role in developing nanofibers and nanoparticles for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and wound healing. An important milestone in her career was the construction of Bulgaria’s first electrospinning apparatus for producing nanofibers. In 2004, Spasova became one of the first scientists to successfully electrospin chitosan, a natural polymer with medical potential. Her contributions to polymer science earned her international recognition from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.