October 13, 2015

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Ada Lovelace and Gender Diversity in Science

Ada Lovelace, widely regarded as the first computer programmer, would probably have appreciated the current thinking on diversity in the workplace.

By Fred Guterl

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This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

Stylized portrait of Ada Lovelace, based on a watercolor by Alfred Edward Chalon

Ada Lovelace, widely regarded as the first computer programmer, would probably have appreciated the current thinking on diversity in the workplace. Studies suggest that for tasks that involve creativity and innovation, on top of our game when we're working with people who challenge us to leave our comfort zones (a theme we explored in a special report). Lovelace, born in 1815 in England, "was a mathematician who became interested in computer pioneer Charles Babbage’s 'analytical engine'," wrote SA blogger Evelyn Lamb.

On the occasion of Ada Lovelace Day last year, we had a great discussion on Google Hangout about the role of women in Science Publishing with SA editor in chief Mariette DiChristina, Nature chief commissioning editor Sara Abdulla, Dr. Amy Brand, VP of Academic and Research Relations at Digital Science, and yours truly, hosted by Dr. Buddhini Samarasinghe and Dr Zuleyka Zevallos.

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This isn't the first time we've recognized Ada Lovelace Day. Here are some of our past stories:

Channeling Ada Lovelace: Chien-Shiung Wu, Courageous Hero of Physics (October 15, 2013)

Review: Maria Mitchell and the Sexing of Science (October 16, 2012)

Ada Lovelace and Luddites (October 7, 2011)

The Urban Scientist: Celebrating Ada Lovelace (October 7, 2011)

 

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Fred Guterl is the executive editor of Scientific American and author of The Fate of the Species (Bloomsbury). Guterl is former deputy editor of Newsweek. His writing and editing have contributed to numerous awards and nominations from the American Society of Magazine Editors. His article "Riddles in the Sand," in Discover, was named best magazine article in 1998 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and his Newsweek article "The Wasteland," on Russia's plan to accept the world's nuclear waste, was honored by the Overseas Press Club for environmental writing.

More by Fred Guterl

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