Two Photographs, Ninety Years Apart
A single photograph can capture an era.
One of the most iconic images in the history of science was taken during the Fifth Solvay Conference on Physics in 1927. It brought together some of the greatest scientific minds of the twentieth century, including Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Max Planck and many others. Among them stood just one woman: Marie Curie, whose pioneering work continues to inspire generations of scientists.
Ninety years later, a photograph taken at the University of Trento after a session of the Italian Physical Society dedicated to the role of women in physics offers a striking contrast. This time, the image portrays 28 women and one man, symbolizing how the scientific community has evolved over the past century.
These two photographs are not simply a comparison of numbers. They illustrate how science continues to change through the people who contribute to it, reflecting the gradual opening of research to increasingly diverse perspectives and talents.
Looking at these images naturally raises a question: what will the next photograph look like? How will science evolve over the coming decades, and who will be the researchers driving the discoveries of the future?
Progress in science is measured not only by breakthroughs and technologies, but also by the opportunities we create for future generations to contribute, collaborate, and innovate.
Image credits: G. Cavalli / University of Trento.
