A project to make the invisible visible
This website aims to raise awareness of the Matilda Effect phenomenon and pay tribute to women scientists forgotten by history. Through narratives, biographies, and educational resources, we wish to contribute to rebuilding a more inclusive memory.
The history of science has long been written by erasing women's contributions. From Ada Lovelace to Rosalind Franklin, through Lise Meitner and so many others, their discoveries have been minimized, attributed to men, or simply forgotten.
Why this project?
The Matilda Effect, theorized by historian Margaret W. Rossiter in 1993, refers to the denial or minimization of women scientists' contributions in favor of their male colleagues. This structural phenomenon runs throughout history and continues to affect women's recognition in science today.
Our approach is part of an awareness and education effort. By highlighting these forgotten figures, we hope to help deconstruct gender stereotypes in science and inspire new generations.
An educational project
This website was created as part of an educational exercise at the MMi department (Multimedia and Internet Professions) in Montbéliard. It is part of the Matilda project, an initiative aimed at promoting equality in science and valuing women scientists' careers.
Through this project, we explored different media - cinematography, literature, exhibitions - to understand how collective memory is built and transmitted. We also sought to create an accessible and engaged resource for a wide audience.
Sources and acknowledgments
This project is based on numerous academic sources, exhibitions, and educational resources, including:
- The exhibition "Cherchez la femme" broadcast on Arte
- Margaret W. Rossiter's work on the Matilda Effect
- Isabelle Collet's research on "Forgotten Women in Tech"
- The CNRS Occitanie Ouest exhibition on women scientists
- Numerous biographies and academic works
We thank all researchers, historians, and institutions working to rehabilitate these erased memories.
