Marie Maynard Daly is a name that should be synonymous with groundbreaking scientific achievement. As the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States, her research in the mid-20th century forged a crucial link between high cholesterol, hypertension, and arterial blockages, setting the stage for the development of lifesaving drugs like statins. Each year, these medications help millions of Americans manage their risk of heart disease. Given the profound impact of her work, one might argue that Daly deserved a Nobel Prize, an honor that aligns with Alfred Nobel’s vision of recognizing those who have bestowed the greatest benefit on humanity.
Yet, despite the vital nature of her discoveries, Daly never received the Nobel recognition during her lifetime. This oversight may stem from the Nobel Committees’ secretive selection processes, which heavily weigh scientific citations as indicators of a work’s significance. Nobel laureates’ research is often cited over a thousand times before they receive the prize. However, this metric can mask underlying biases, potentially overlooking seminal contributions by scientists like Daly.
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Despite the foundational nature of Daly’s research, later Nobel laureates like Konrad Bloch, Feodor Lynen, Michael Brown, and Joseph Goldstein, who were recognized for their work in cholesterol metabolism and regulation, did not acknowledge her contributions in their acceptance speeches. In fact, her work was seldom cited in subsequent studies. This lack of recognition has not only obscured Daly’s contributions but is indicative of a broader issue where Black scientists are often sidelined in the annals of scientific history.
It is crucial for the Nobel Committees and the scientific community at large to acknowledge the potential for both overt and unconscious biases that can influence whom they celebrate as leaders in their fields. Despite the presence of 17 Black Nobel laureates across peace, literature, and economics categories, no Black scientist has yet to be honored with a Nobel Prize in physiology/medicine, physics, or chemistry. Addressing this disparity begins with recognizing the historical contributions of Black scientists.
The undercitation of research by Black scientists is another critical issue. Studies have shown that papers by Black scientists are referenced significantly less than those by their white counterparts. This disparity in citations not only undermines the perceived impact of their work but also affects their recognition by prestigious bodies like the Nobel Committees.
Understanding the implications of citation practices is essential. The frequency with which a scientist’s research is cited is a key factor considered by the Nobel Committees. However, when these citations are skewed by racial biases, they fail to serve as an objective measure of a scientist’s impact. This bias in citations not only affects individual scientists like Daly but also overlooks major scientific contributions by other Black scientists, including Percy Lavon Julian, Katherine Johnson, and Charles Drew. These systemic inequities extend beyond citations to issues of education, mentorship, funding, and recognition, affecting scientists globally.
Addressing biases in how scientific impact is measured is the first step toward rectifying these disparities. The Nobel Committees, and the scientific community at large, must recognize and adjust for these biases in their selection processes. By doing so, they can better honor the work of Black scientists, thereby enriching both the field of science and society overall.
Other prestigious awards have begun to address these issues. For instance, the MacArthur Foundation has committed to recognizing the contributions of scholars of color, including a number of Black scientists, through its MacArthur Genius Grant. However, it is also incumbent upon the scientific community to ensure that Black scientists receive proper credit for their contributions by citing their work appropriately.
When the achievements of Black scientists are overlooked, the entire world misses out on their potential impact. Imagining a world without the contributions of scientists like Daly, Julian, Johnson, or Drew underscores the need for change. It is time for awarding bodies and the broader scientific community to acknowledge and celebrate the significant discoveries made by Black scientists that benefit all of humanity.
*Note: This article is an opinion and analysis piece, and the views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Scientific American.*
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Cameron Aldridge combines a scientific mind with a knack for storytelling. Passionate about discoveries and breakthroughs, Cameron unravels complex scientific advancements in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.