Science loves big ideas, but there are a few projects that stand out for their scale and ambition. We’ve chosen 5 of our faves below that pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, but we would love to hear yours!
Large Hadron Collider
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s most powerful particle accelerator. It’s operated by CERN (The European Organisation for Nuclear Research). By smashing particles together at high speeds, the LHC explores the building blocks of the universe. The LHC confirmed the existence of the Higgs boson and is helping solve mysteries like dark matter and extra dimensions! Many women contributed to, and still work on, the LHC. These include Fabiola Gianotti, Isabel Brunner and Monique Dupont.
The Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project was completed all the way back in 2003. This was a global project that sequenced every gene in the human body! This Project opened up new pathways in genetics. Because of this, personalised medicine began, and we got a deeper understanding of our human-ness. Debbie Nickerson and her team played an important role in the project, discovering rare genetic disorders. Plenty of other women played crucial roles in the Human Genome Project, too.
The International Space Station
Floating above Earth is the International Space Station (ISS). Here, it stands as a symbol of international cooperation and scientific exploration. This laboratory hosts experiments in microgravity that impact medicine, materials science, and our future in space. It is only the length of a football pitch, but it impacts our understanding massively! Peggy Whitson has made multiple missions to the ISS. In 2010, the ISS held the record for the most women in space at once!
Quantum Computing
On the cutting edge of technology is quantum computing. Scientists are racing to develop computers that use quantum bits (qubits) to perform calculations far beyond the reach of classical machines. These future marvels could transform everything from encryption to drug discovery.
The James Webb Space Telescope
Lastly, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It’s fairly new, only launched in 2022. But, it is peering deeper into the cosmos more than ever before. By capturing infrared light, JWST is revealing the birth of stars, the atmospheres of exoplanets, and glimpses of the early universe. The superstars Jane Rigby and Sandra Irish were crucial to the creation of the JWST!
So, did we miss any of your faves? Let us know!
