Born: 5 April 1863 (Austrian Empire)
Died: 15 May 1914
Biography:
Ida Freund (5 April 1863 – 15 May 1914) was a trailblazing figure in the field of chemistry and a pioneering advocate for women’s education in science. Born in the Austrian Empire, Ida faced adversity from an early age. After the death of her mother, she moved to Vienna to live with her grandparents. However, tragedy struck again when her grandparents passed away in 1881. Determined to pursue her education, she left her homeland and settled in England with her uncle, the renowned violinist Ludwig Straus.
Ida’s passion for science led her to enroll at Girton College, where she excelled in the Natural Sciences Tripos course. Despite the initial language barrier, her hard work and dedication earned her a first-class honors degree. Recognizing her talent and dedication to the field, she was appointed as a chemistry lecturer at the Cambridge Training College for Women, followed by a position as a demonstrator at Newnham College, Cambridge.
In 1890, Ida Freund made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as a staff lecturer in chemistry in the United Kingdom. This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant milestone for women’s education and shattered long-standing barriers in the male-dominated field of academia.
As a lecturer, Ida focused on providing laboratory training to her students, many of whom had limited or no previous knowledge of chemistry. She was admired for her inspirational teaching style and unique approach to the subject. Despite facing physical challenges resulting from a childhood cycling accident that led to the loss of her leg, Ida refused to let her disability hinder her passion and dedication to the field of chemistry. She utilized walking sticks, a prosthetic leg, and a three-wheeled tricycle wheelchair to navigate her professional and personal life.
Ida Freund’s impact extended beyond her contributions to chemistry education. She was an active feminist and staunch supporter of women’s suffrage. In the early 1900s, she was among the women who fought for admission to the Chemical Society, advocating for gender equality in professional scientific organizations. Although women were not admitted to the society until six years after her death, Ida’s advocacy played a crucial role in paving the way for future generations of female scientists.
In addition to her teaching and advocacy work, Ida Freund also made significant contributions to the field of chemistry through her research. Although her focus on teaching limited her time for research, she published a paper titled The effect of temperature on the volume change accompanying neutralization. This paper showcased her intellectual curiosity and scientific acumen.
Ida Freund’s groundbreaking achievements and indomitable spirit continue to inspire generations of aspiring scientists, particularly women in STEM fields. Her dedication to education, commitment to gender equality, and remarkable resilience in the face of adversity have left an indelible mark on women’s history and the field of chemistry.