MIT biologist Nancy Hopkins, the Amgen Professor of Biology Emerita, has been honored with the 2024 Public Welfare Medal by the National Academy of Sciences for her unwavering leadership in championing equal opportunities for women in science. The prestigious award recognizes Hopkins's instrumental role in initiating and leading MIT's groundbreaking "A Study on the Status of Women Faculty in Science," a pivotal investigation that exposed gender inequities within the institute.
In 1999, the study, made public under Hopkins's guidance, shed light on disparities in treatment and resources available to women compared to their male counterparts on the faculty at MIT. The revelations from this landmark report prompted significant policy changes within MIT and triggered a national dialogue on gender inequalities in science and engineering.
Established in 1914, the Public Welfare Medal honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to science for the benefit of the public. Hopkins now joins the ranks of notable MIT-affiliated scientists who have previously received the award, such as Karl Compton, James R. Killian Jr., and Jerome B. Wiesner.
Hopkins, initially a distinguished researcher in cancer biology at MIT, took an unexpected turn in 1989, transitioning to molecular technologies for studying zebrafish, ultimately establishing it as a crucial model for vertebrate development and cancer biology. Her journey towards advocacy for gender equality in science began when she sought additional lab space, suspecting gender bias. A meticulous investigation confirmed her suspicions, leading to the initiation of the groundbreaking study in 1999.
The subsequent findings prompted MIT to address gender disparities in hiring practices, pay equity, and overall working environments for women faculty. Former MIT President Charles M. Vest, responding to the report with an "engineers' approach," implemented tangible changes that significantly increased the representation of women faculty.
Beyond MIT, Hopkins's influence expanded as she became a national advocate for the equitable treatment of women in science. Her tireless efforts continued after retirement, co-founding the Faculty Founder Initiative in 2019 to enhance women's representation in biotech company leadership.
Despite the accolades and recognition, Hopkins remains humble, acknowledging the collective effort of numerous individuals in effecting change. The National Academy of Sciences will formally present the 2024 Public Welfare Medal to Hopkins at its 161st annual meeting in April, adding to her already extensive list of awards and honors for both scientific achievements and advocacy for women in science.
Hopkins's legacy stands as a testament to her commitment to advancing gender equality in science and inspiring future generations of women in STEM fields.