Only one female scientist named in GCSEs, research finds

A Cambridge-led study found that Rosalind Franklin is the only female scientist named in UK GCSE and National 5 science exam specifications, despite women's central roles in major scientific breakthroughs.

Researchers from Cambridge University, along with institutions in the US and Australia, examined specifications for biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, geology and astronomy across six UK exam boards. At Key Stage 4, Franklin was the sole woman among 86 named scientists. At Key Stage 5, three women appeared out of 181 scientists: Franklin, American cartographer Marie Tharp and Danish seismologist Inge Lehmann.

Franklin, a British chemist and crystallographer, produced Photograph 51 in the 1950s. The image was instrumental in Francis Crick and James Watson's discovery that DNA has a double-helix structure. Watson, Crick and Maurice Wilkins received the 1962 Nobel Prize for the work. Franklin had died four years earlier and was not recognised.

The research, published in the British Educational Research Journal, noted that exam specifications reflect a historical imbalance. The academics wrote: "Many of the scientific discoveries and explanations were developed in the 1800s and early 1900s, a period when scientific and mathematical practice was largely, but not solely, dominated by men."

Researchers recommended Franklin be included in all specifications when teaching DNA structure. They also flagged Marie Curie, who discovered radium and polonium and coined the term radioactivity, and nuclear physicist Lise Meitner, who discovered nuclear fission, as examples of women whose contributions should be acknowledged.

Stephanie Buttigieg, one of the authors, said: "Relatable role models can help keep more girls in STEM by strengthening their sense of belonging in science and fostering positive attitudes towards scientific careers."

Exam boards and educational authorities responded positively. The Joint Council for Qualifications, representing major exam boards, acknowledged "a clear need for greater representation in science qualifications". The Department for Education said girls "should see the contribution women have made in STEM" and committed to curriculum improvements. The Scottish Government said it was "committed to closing the gender gap in STEM and will carefully consider the findings of this research".