Mulheres na Exploração Científica. Contribuições de Mulheres Amadoras para a História Natural e Astronomia em Portugal (1851-1974)

The proposed research addresses two important scientific questions: 1) The historical participation of amateur women in natural history and astronomy in Portugal from 1851 to 1974, shedding light on this often-overlooked aspect of scientific history. This involves analyzing archives, historical scientific literature, and conducting interviews to understand the context, networks, and evolution of women's involvement in these fields. The research aims to test hypotheses regarding the demographics of participation and the influence of societal changes, such as the transition from a monarchy to a republic and later to a dictatorship. Additionally, it explores the role played by of men in women's participation in science. These findings will be compared with contemporary power dynamics observed in amateur science participation through citizen science practices. 2) Using historical information about amateur women in science to inspire future generations of girls and women to pursue scientific careers and/or increase interest in science in general and the history of science in particular. This involves creating an accessible database with data collected from archives and historical literature survey, an appealing online presence through an interactive website highlighting the achievements of amateur women, and using various communication channels to disseminate their stories, organizing workshops and conferences, and analyzing the impact of these communication strategies. The goal is to raise awareness, celebrate the contributions of women in science, and provide platforms for discussion and knowledge-sharing to inspire more women and girls to engage in scientific pursuits. The proposed research aims to contribute to: - Clarifying the various historical dimensions of Portuguese amateur women's participation in natural history and astronomy; - Understanding the reasons behind the scarcity of known cases of amateur women's involvement in science in Portugal and how this involvement was perceived within a predominantly male-dominated community; - Advancing the field of women's studies in relation to history of science, citizen science and science communication in Portugal; - Establishing a database of Portuguese amateur women in science to showcase their accomplishments and narratives, potentially contributing to shape science education initiatives, and inspiring future generations of girls and women to pursue scientific careers; - Supporting historical preservation efforts and improving accessibility to historical records, subscribing to open and universal access policies, thereby enabling their utilization in future research endeavors; - Enhancing awareness regarding the contributions of amateur women to science, facilitating their participation in co-creation processes aimed at improving communication and fostering a more knowledgeable society; - Targeting several stakeholders, including decision and policy makers, expecting to contribute to inform policies on gender equality in science and influence research funding priorities. The objectives of the research are ambitious as they aim to uncover hidden historical narratives, bridge disciplinary boundaries, and implement innovative science communication strategies. By addressing these challenges, the project contributes to advance knowledge at the intersection of history of science, women's studies, and citizen science, while also promoting inclusivity and diversity in scientific endeavors.