Celebrating the life and achievements of Rosemary Fowler

Rosemary Fowler with daughter Mary Fowler at Rosemary's honorary graduation ceremony. Image Credit: David Johnson

This recognition comes 75 years after her pioneering work in particle physics, which has had a lasting impact on the field. The award was presented by Nobel laureate and University Chancellor Sir Paul Nurse, who praised her "intellectual rigour and curiosity," highlighting her vital contributions to our understanding of the universe.

Early life and academic journey

Born in Suffolk in 1926, Rosemary Fowler (née Brown) had an unconventional upbringing, spending her childhood in various locations due to her father's career as a Royal Navy engineer. Despite the disruptions caused by the Second World War, Fowler excelled in mathematics and science, subjects she found inherently easy. She went on to become one of the first women to achieve first-class honours in physics from the University of Bristol in 1947.

Pioneering discoveries

At the age of 22, while working under the guidance of Professor Cecil Powell in the cosmic ray physics team at Bristol, Fowler made a groundbreaking discovery. She identified a particle track that decayed into three pions, later known as the kaon or K meson. This discovery was pivotal, as it led to a significant shift in the theory of particle physics, ultimately aiding in the prediction and discovery of particles like the Higgs boson at CERN.

Despite her monumental contributions, Fowler chose to leave academia in 1949 to focus on her family after marrying fellow physicist Peter Fowler. Her decision to step back from her scientific career did not diminish the impact of her work, which continues to be a cornerstone in particle physics research.

Legacy and continued impact

In addition to her scientific contributions, Rosemary Fowler's legacy is perpetuated through her family's continued involvement in science. Her daughter, Mary Fowler, followed in her footsteps, studying mathematics and geophysics at Cambridge and achieving notable success in academia, including serving as Master of Darwin College.

The recognition of Fowler's work comes at a time when the contributions of female scientists are being increasingly acknowledged, and her story parallels the achievements of other pioneering women in science, such as:

• Hertha Ayrton, who made significant advances in electrical engineering and was the first woman proposed for membership in the Royal Society.
• Rosalind Franklin, whose work on DNA's structure was crucial in the field of molecular biology.
• Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman in Britain to qualify as a doctor, paving the way for future female physicians.
• Dame Ida Mann, a trailblazer in ophthalmology, who revolutionised eye care and research on eye diseases.
• Diana Beck, the UK's first female neurosurgeon, who advanced surgical techniques in neurosurgery.
• Emily Davies, who founded Girton College, providing degree-level education for women.
• Frances Mary Buss, who advocated for quality education for girls, challenging gender norms in academia.
• Joan Robinson, an influential economic theorist who challenged conventional economic theories and advocated for social relevance in the discipline.

The honorary degree conferred upon Rosemary Fowler not only honours her past achievements but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of scientists. It highlights the enduring impact of her work and the importance of recognising the contributions of women to science and academia. Rosemary Fowler’s work continues to shape the efforts of today's physicists and our understanding of the universe.

Main photo image credit: David Johnson