Science

Science history trail

Designed to increase inclusive representation in science.

The trail showcases a diversity of science role models chosen by UNSW Science students.

The UNSW Science History Trail is designed to increase inclusive representation in science by highlighting the stories and achievements of scientists often overlooked in science history. The trail showcases a diversity of science role models chosen by UNSW Science students.


The Science History Trail project is a collaborative effort between the Science EDI Team, current Science students, UNSW outreach librarians, the academic skills team and ARC. We'd like to offer a special thank you to Lisa Worthington, James Bedford, Jennifer Whitfield, Kim Taylor, Monica O'Brien, Caroline Fox Drinkwater and Thomas Bell for their support in developing this initiative.

Alice Ball
The woman who developed the first effective treatment for leprosy.

Ben A. Barres
Pioneer neuroscientist and advocate of diversity in science.

Chien-Shiung Wu
The first lady in physics.

Clyde Wahrhaftig
A gem for geology.

Dorothy Hodgkin
Captivated by chemistry and crystals.

E.K. Janaki Ammal
The botanist who sweetened a nation.

Flossie Wong-Staal
Force of nature in HIV & biology.

John Cornforth
Australia’s Nobel Laureate in Chemistry.

Julio Garavito Armero
From Colombia to the moon.

Leta Hollingworth
The teacher who saw the abilities of women.

Lise Meitner
Pioneer of nuclear fission.

Marie Maynard Daly
Pursing a dream, shaking-up genetics.

Mary Anning
An unlikely contributor at the founding of palaeontology.

Percy Lavon Julian
Perseverance, drive and a lifetime of extraordinary.

Science History Trail Showcase

The UNSW Science History Trail focuses on increasing representation in Science History.

This recorded online showcase, hosted by the Co-Associate Dean of EDI, Carlo Caponecchia, highlights the stories of diverse scientists often not included in traditional science history. It features current UNSW Science Students as they tell the stories of their science role models and reflect on the importance of inclusive representation in science history. 

The showcase was supported by the UNSW Division of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, as part of Diversity Fest 2021.