Sisters of Prometheus: From the New Woman to Nobelity in Chemistry

This comprehensive book portrays the long-overdue recognition of women’s work in chemistry, which only materialized with their late access to universities. Besides describing their scientific triumphs, it unveils the human side of the characters involved, providing an intimate perspective, often supported by extracts from their correspondence. By delving into their personal stories, struggles, and successes, this book brings these women to life. Written with simplicity and rigor, it aims to inspire and educate readers of all backgrounds about the extraordinary scientific achievements of these trailblazing women.

João Paulo André, Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry of the University of Minho, has a degree in Chemistry (Educational Branch) from the University of Coimbra and earned his PhD from the University of Basel (Switzerland) in the field of Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry. His education and public outreach is centered on the relations of science with music, literature and art, while he has also been an important part of his academic activity in recent years. He is the author of Poções e Paixões - Química e Ópera, published by Gradiva (2nd edition, 2019), which has been included in the National Reading List (Plano Nacional de Leitura) and produced in braille and in an audio format by the National Library of Portugal. His most recent book, Irmãs de Prometeu - A Química no Feminino (Gradiva, 2022), tackles the history of science, focusing on the women who contributed to the development of chemistry.