Physicist, 98, honoured with doctorate 75 years after groundbreaking discovery
Physicist Rosemary Fowler, aged 98, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol for her 1948 discovery of the kaon particle. Her work under Cecil Powell revolutionized particle physics.
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Physicist Rosemary Fowler, now 98 years old, was recently honored with an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol, 75 years after her groundbreaking discovery of the kaon particle during her doctoral research in 1948. Despite not completing her PhD at the time to focus on raising a family, her discovery significantly contributed to the field of particle physics and continues to influence current research, including the prediction of particles like the Higgs boson. Fowler's work under Cecil Powell at Bristol University led to a revolution in particle physics theory. She was commended by the University of Bristol chancellor, Sir Paul Nurse, for her intellectual rigor and curiosity, which paved the way for critical discoveries in physics. Fowler's early achievements in physics, her decision to prioritize family, and subsequent recognition highlight her significant contributions to the field and serve as an inspiration for future generations of physicists.
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Physics pioneer Rosemary Fowler, 98, honoured 75 years after discovery
A 98-year-old physicist, Rosemary Fowler, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol for her groundbreaking discovery of the Kaon particle in 1948. Her work significantly impacted particle physics.
- Some commenters criticize the honorary doctorate as a way for universities to boost their numbers or relevance.
- There is a discussion on the work-life balance in academia, particularly for women, and the sacrifices involved in pursuing a PhD.
- Commenters appreciate the non-gendered headline, seeing it as a step towards true equality in recognizing achievements.
- Questions arise about the value and necessity of the traditional PhD system, with some suggesting its abolition could lead to more research and researchers.
- There is a sentiment that Fowler's recognition is long overdue and well-deserved, despite the slow-moving academic bureaucracy.
14 commentsThis will hopefully pave the way for truer equality in that the most common reaction reading this headline would probably be "oh no, why has this physicist not gotten the recognition" rather than the latter, which is more polarising -- it leads to either "outrageous, look here is one more neglected woman!" or "here we go, one more feminist complaint".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKiBlGDfRU8
I’m never bothered because it looked like too much effort for little money.
Back in the days where two papers in nature wasn’t enough to to instantly get you a PhD I guess! Hopefully she was kept in the loop by her husband (fellow physicist) so she could feel rewarded even in real time.
She's right.
She left an exploitative disgraceful system who only now grasps for relevancy and respect by seeking to associate itself with those who did the work.
But when you see them so old and decrepit, it really hits home just how terrible ageing truly is. It robbed this woman of her vigour. I can't actually imagine the inquisitive expression she must have had on her face during her peak.
Maybe the thesis production was getting a little slow for them this year.
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Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, found joy in playful physics exploration. His observation of a wobbling plate led to groundbreaking work in quantum electrodynamics, driven by personal curiosity rather than external expectations.
Physics pioneer Rosemary Fowler, 98, honoured 75 years after discovery
A 98-year-old physicist, Rosemary Fowler, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol for her groundbreaking discovery of the Kaon particle in 1948. Her work significantly impacted particle physics.