Celebrating Hidden STEM Heroes: Dr. Jessica Wade’s Wiki Revolution
Unveiling Forgotten Achievements
In the vast landscape of scientific history, countless women in STEM have been unjustly omitted from the narrative. Dr. Jessica Wade, a dynamic physicist based in London, has undertaken a formidable mission to rectify this historical oversight. Her strategy? Rewriting the Wikipedia biographies of women and minority scientists who never received the recognition they deserved.
Fueling Future Ambitions
Driven by her passion for equality in STEM careers, Dr. Wade initiated this ambitious project in her twenties. Recognizing the need for role models, she dedicated her Sunday afternoons to nominate exceptional female scientists and scientists of color for prestigious prizes and fellowships. Her motivation was simple but profound: she couldn’t bear witnessing scientists “doing awesome things and not getting credit for it.”
Palace Honor for Pioneering Contributions
Dr. Wade’s relentless efforts have not gone unnoticed. Buckingham Palace extended an invitation for her to receive the esteemed British Empire Medal, recognizing her significant contributions to the field of science. Her approach, centered on bringing overlooked scientists into the spotlight, has become a catalyst for change.
A Proactive Community for Change
Dr. Wade finds hope in the growing community of like-minded individuals dedicated to challenging the status quo in academia. Describing them as outspoken and proactive, she believes this community is substantial, a force capable of reshaping the landscape of recognition and acknowledgment in the scientific realm.
WEF24 and the Equality Lounge
Thrilled to have Dr. Jessica Wade participate in the Equality Lounge at WEF24, the week-long event offers attendees the chance to nominate remarkable women. By the end of Davos, Dr. Wade will select ten women from the nominations to create dedicated Wiki pages for, further amplifying their contributions and impact.
Empowering the Next Generation
Dr. Wade firmly believes that by ensuring the visibility of women scientists, the desire for STEM careers will be ignited in the next generation. Her work transcends the present, aiming to shape a future where the contributions of women and scientists of color are acknowledged and celebrated.
In this era of progress, Dr. Jessica Wade stands as a beacon of change, rewriting history to create a more inclusive and diverse narrative for the STEM community.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Linkedin
