Science has always been about pushing boundaries of what we know, and many brilliant women are leading the way with groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. They are shaping the future through research, technology, and environmental sustainability. Because of them, we have a better understanding of climate change, conservation science, astrophysics and so much more.
Let’s take a look at the scientific milestones of a few of these incredible women:
Adriana Marais – Bringing space exploration closer to reality
Starting on home soil, Adriana Marais isn’t just talking about space exploration- she’s actively preparing for it. As a theoretical physicist and technologist, based in Stellenbosch, she’s focused her life’s work on what it will take to live beyond Earth. In 2013, Marais volunteered for the Mars One Project, an initiative planning one-way trips to establish the first human settlement on Mars in 2026. Although the project has been discontinued, Dr Marais was shortlisted as one of 100 astronaut candidates for the mission.
As the director of the Foundation for Space Development Africa, she now leads the Africa2Moon Project, aiming to send Africa’s first mission to the Moon. But that’s just part of her vision.
Through her initiative, Proudly Human, Marais launched the Off-World Project, which tests sustainable living in Earth’s most extreme environments – from Antarctica to deserts – mimicking conditions on Mars. These experiments aren’t just about surviving in space; they’re also about finding solutions for resource-scarce regions on Earth. Her work is at the forefront for challenging what’s possible.
Dr. Kerry Sink – leading conservation science to protect our coastal ecosystems
As a marine biologist at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) based at Kirstenbosch, Sink has been instrumental in protecting and understanding South Africa’s ocean ecosystems. She was one of the pioneers who oversaw the development of the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI), a program designed to promote responsible seafood consumption and protect marine biodiversity.
Her efforts have also contributed significantly to the proclamation of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across South Africa, ensuring the conservation of critical ocean habitats. More recently, she has led an initiative to map culturally significant sites along our coastline, bridging the gap between marine science and heritage preservation. As the world’s leading researcher on the coelacanth, the elusive “living fossil” of the deep sea, she continues to expand our understanding of marine life and regularly contributes to new projects on marine conservation.
Female scientists driving change in climate science
Many female scientists around the world are leading research and developing first-of-its-kind solutions for climate change and sustainability. Let’s take a look at these inspiring individuals:
Dr. Katharine Hayhoe – Making climate science accessible
Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientists and chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy, in the United States has spent years making climate science more accessible and understandable. Her research on the impact of climate change has shaped policies and guided businesses in making smarter choices. She played a key role in writing the U.S. National Climate Assessment, which provides crucial data on climate risks and mitigation strategies.
Beyond her research, Hayhoe is known for her engaging communication style. She frequently speaks on public platforms, debunking climate myths and emphasizing the importance of local solutions – something that is so important to scale global climate action. She has also collaborated with city planners and religious communities to tailor climate solutions that align with their values and priorities. Her ability to translate complex data into real-world impact is what makes her work so influential. Following her work provides our team with a lot of inspiration for finding science communication solutions that resonate with different demographic audiences.
Dr. Juliana Chan – Championing representation in science
Dr. Juliana Chan, a molecular biologist and founder of Asian Scientist Magazine, is dedicated to highlighting scientific achievements in Asia. Through her publication, she has brought global attention to groundbreaking discoveries from the region, such as the development of the world’s first Dengue vaccine and many biomedical engineering solutions.
Chan also established the Asian Scientist Writing Prize, an initiative aimed at encouraging young scientists to communicate their research more effectively. By providing a platform for Asian researchers to showcase their work, she is inspiring the next generation of young scientists and ensuring that a diversity of experience contributes to global scientific progress.
Science and Design: A Shared Vision
Whether it’s developing sustainable systems for life on Mars, making climate science relatable, or diversifying voices in research, the work of these women is shaping a future where science and technology improve lives in unexpected ways.
At formula D_, design is about more than aesthetics – it’s about solving real-world challenges. Learning from these scientists, we are experimenting, discovering, and adapting – applying the same mindset as they do to science communication through experiential design. The future is being designed every day, and these women continue to open our eyes to future possibilities.
