Born: 1879 (Mandal, Norway)
Biography:
Ellen Gleditsch, born on December 29, 1879, in Mandal, Norway, was a prominent radiochemist and an influential figure in Norway’s scientific community. She is known for her groundbreaking research in radiochemistry, especially her work on radium and isotopes. Gleditsch’s contributions to the field established her as a pioneering scientist and earned her recognition as Norway’s second female professor.
Gleditsch was the daughter of Petra Birgitte Hansen and Karl Kristian Gleditsch, a respected headmaster. She grew up in a family with a strong interest in academia and science. Gleditsch had two siblings, including her sister Liv, who also pursued a career in chemistry. From an early age, Gleditsch displayed a keen interest in chemistry and aimed to pursue a career in the sciences.
During her teenage years, Gleditsch faced the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. At the time, college entrance exams were not available to women, limiting their opportunities for higher education. However, she remained determined and pursued a non-academic degree in chemistry and pharmacology. Gleditsch worked as a pharmacy assistant to support herself while expanding her knowledge in the field.
In 1905, with the support of her mentor, Eyvind Bødtker, Gleditsch passed the university entrance exam. Despite this achievement, she chose to study in Paris, where she had the opportunity to work at Marie Curie’s laboratory. Gleditsch joined Curie’s team in 1907 and spent five years conducting research on radioactivity. During her time at the Sorbonne, she mastered the technique of fractional crystallizations, which allowed her to purify radium. This highly specialized work not only contributed to the advancement of radiochemistry but also earned Gleditsch recognition within the scientific community.
In 1911, Gleditsch received her Licenciée en sciences degree from the Sorbonne, marking a significant milestone in her career. She was then appointed as a teaching post at the University of Oslo, further solidifying her position as a respected scientist. Gleditsch’s dedication and expertise in radiochemistry led to her being awarded a scholarship from the American-Scandinavian Association to study in the United States, despite being initially turned down by the schools she had applied to.
Gleditsch seized this opportunity and embarked on a research experience at the laboratory of Bertram Boltwood at Yale University. During her time at Yale, she focused on measuring the half-life of radium, a vital measurement for understanding its properties and potential applications. Gleditsch’s work in this area proved to be groundbreaking and laid the foundation for future scientific advancements.
Despite her initial rejection, Gleditsch’s perseverance paid off, and she achieved recognition for her work. In June 1914, Smith College awarded her an honorary doctorate in recognition of her significant contributions to the field of radiochemistry. Gleditsch became widely regarded as a leading expert in the field, and her research on radium and isotopes influenced scientific discoveries worldwide.
In addition to her scientific achievements, Gleditsch was also actively involved in promoting women’s rights. She served as the Vice President of the Norwegian Association for Women’s Rights from 1937 to 1939, advocating for gender equality and equal opportunities for women in academia and scientific research.
Ellen Gleditsch’s contributions to radiochemistry and her dedication to gender equality have left a lasting impact on both the scientific community and society as a whole. Her pioneering research and scientific accomplishments have inspired generations of scientists, particularly women, to pursue their passions and break down barriers in the pursuit of knowledge.
Awards:
– Honorary Doctorate from Smith College (1914)