The Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences are delighted to invite you to Rosalind Franklin: A Contextual Account, which is being delivered by Marelene Rayner-Canham and Geoff Rayner-Canham from Memorial University, Canada.
A drinks reception will follow the lecture.
Title: Rosalind Franklin: A Contextual Account
Abstract:
There have been many accounts of the life and work of Rosalind Franklin, but none focus upon the context. Why did Franklin become a scientist? Why did she become a crystallographer? We will show that there were several societal threads which contributed to her pathway to success. Among these, we contend, were the roles of religion; of the formation of science-strong independent girls’ schools; of two pioneer women crystallographers; and of women-supportive mentors. Finally, we look at her marginalisation as an example of the Matilda Effect. These interwoven strands enrich the story of Rosalind Franklin beyond that conventionally told.
Speakers:
Marelene Rayner-Canham and Geoff Rayner-Canham have long been active researchers in the field of the history of women in science. Apart from many academic papers on different topics, they have co-authored the books: Harriet Brooks - Pioneer Nuclear Scientist; A Devotion to Their Science: Pioneer Women of Radioactivity; Women in Chemistry: Their Changing Roles from Alchemical Times to the Mid-Twentieth Century; and Chemistry was Their Life: Pioneering British Women Chemists, 1880-1949. Their next book: A Passion for Chemistry: Chemistry at British Independent Girls’ Schools, 1820s-1930s will be published later this month.
The Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences at King’s College London has a Code of Conduct which we expect participants at our events to abide by. This is intended to ensure an inclusive and productive environment and is available from http://www.kcl.ac.uk/nms/events-code-of-conduct.aspx