Women Shaping Scientific Frontiers: From Lab Coats to Leadership (27 Stories of Women Leaders in Physics and Engineering)

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At CERN the European Organization for Nuclear Research, the world's leading laboratory for particle physics, headquarters in Geneva; particle physicists including me, collaborated on a large body of work that was looking towards solving the universe's questions. I was fortunate to be a tiny cog in a huge-scale experiment that proved the existence of the Higgs boson. The concept of the Higgs boson first appeared in a 1964 scientific paper written by Peter Higgs'.

The Higgs boson is the fundamental particle associated with the Higgs field, a field that gives mass to other fundamental particles such as electrons and quarks. A particle's mass determines how much it resists changing its speed or position when it encounters a force. Not all fundamental particles have mass. The photon, which is the particle of light and carries the electromagnetic force, has no mass at all.

The first particle collider in history capable of producing Higgs bosons in significant numbers is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)², which started its high-energy collision programme in 2010. François Englert and Peter W. Higgs were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2013 for the theory of how particles acquire mass.

It amazed me to witness the vastness of this project. An idea conceived in the 1960s, with fruition in 2012. Tens of years of research to make technologies to prove the theory. Technologies used for making detectors at LHC are now used worldwide in various applications.

I am very pleased to write this foreword, especially on the occasion of International Women's Day for the book devoted to women science achievers in India. Archana Sharma, who works at CERN, Geneva, but has maintained strong roots in India, is very well placed to write such a book. Her previous books, "The A-to-Z of Cern Universe Unlocked", "Nobel Dreams of India", jointly written with Swetha Vijayakrishnan, and "India's Science Geniuses", written with Spoorthy Raman, were all exceptionally well received by the scientific community. This book on Women Science achievers attempts to do the same. I am sure it will achieve the same status as the previous books. The book, written in simple language, highlights the achievements of women in science and their resilience in overcoming all the difficulties. Science in India has presented unique challenges for women, who often navigate societal barriers in their pursuit of scientific endeavours. Despite these hurdles, women scientists have proven their exceptional capabilities and achievements, showcasing parity with their male counterparts. Indeed, the examples chosen in this book reflect such women scientists and should serve as motivation to budding young female scientists.

As a physicist, I often find myself immersed in the exploration of the language of the universe physics. But what is physics, and why should one dedicate their time and energy to its study? There is a profound significance to this discipline.

Physics is not merely a subject confined within the walls of a classroom or laboratory; it is the gateway to understanding the very fabric of reality. It delves into the fundamental principles governing the behaviour of matter, energy, space, and time. From the infinitesimally small particles that dance at the subatomic level to the majestic celestial bodies that adorn the cosmos, physics unveils the intricate tapestry of the universe.

At its core, physics is a quest for knowledge - a relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries of nature. It empowers us to comprehend the forces that shape our world, from the gentle caress of a breeze to the cataclysmic fury of a supernova. By studying physics, we embark on a journey of discovery, constantly probing, questioning, and seeking deeper insights into the workings of the cosmos.

However, the significance of physics extends far beyond intellectual curiosity. It bestows upon us a powerful toolset for navigating the complexities of the modern world. Through the lens of physics, we gain invaluable problem-solving skills, learning to analyze and innovate in the face of challenges both mundane and monumental.

Consider, for instance, the technological marvels that define the 21s century - from the sleek smartphones that grace our pockets to the towering skyscrapers that adorn our cities. Behind each of these innovations lies a foundation built upon the principles of physics. Whether it be harnessing the power of electricity, harnessing the energy of the atom, or harnessing the forces of nature, physics serves as the cornerstone upon which modern civilization rests.