Jess Wade's Mission to Highlight Women Scientists on Wikipedia

Jess Wade, a 33-year-old physicist from London, has carved out a unique mission: to ensure that women and minority scientists, long overlooked, claim their rightful place in the annals of this global encyclopedia. Since 2017, she has dedicated her evenings to creating over 1,700 Wikipedia biographies for women and minority scientists, ensuring their contributions to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are recognized on one of the world's most visited platforms. Her work addresses systemic biases in science and Wikipedia, where only 19% of English-language biographies are about women, according to WikiProject Women in Red.

Who Is Jess Wade?

Jess Wade is a research fellow at Imperial College London, specializing in nanomaterials for sustainable electronics, such as digital display technologies for TVs, computers, and phones. Her academic work has earned her accolades, including the British Empire Medal in 2019 for services to gender diversity in science. Despite her own achievements, Jess's passion lies in amplifying the voices of overlooked scientists, particularly women and people of color, through Wikipedia.

Jess's journey began with a single entry for Kim Cobb, an American climatologist whose accolades were conspicuously absent from Wikipedia despite her prominence in her field. Struck by this gap, Jess, then in her late 20s, recognized a broader issue: the platform, used by an estimated 2 billion people monthly, was failing to represent the full spectrum of scientific achievement. Women, who make up only 28% of the U.S. STEM workforce according to the American Association of University Women, and scientists of color were disproportionately absent. Jess set out to change this, one biography at a time, focusing on those whose work had been undercelebrated due to systemic biases.

Why Wikipedia Matters

Wikipedia, accessed by 2 billion people monthly, is a critical source of public knowledge. However, its volunteer-driven content often reflects the biases of its predominantly white, male editors. Jess's work challenges this by creating detailed, well-researched biographies for scientists like Gladys West, whose mathematical contributions enabled GPS, and Ijeoma Uchegbu, a leader in pharmaceutical nanoscience. By ensuring these stories are visible, Jess helps provide role models for aspiring scientists and opens doors to opportunities like fellowships and awards.

Yet, her efforts have not been without resistance. Some of Jess's entries, like that of Clarice Phelps, the first African-American woman involved in discovering a periodic table element, were initially deleted by editors citing insufficient "notability." Jess's response was resolute: the lack of recognition is precisely the problem she aims to address. After public advocacy and persistent revisions, Phelps' page was restored, a small but significant victory in Jess's broader campaign. These challenges the systemic issue: many women and minority scientists lack the public recognition they deserve, perpetuating their exclusion.

A Tireless Process

Jess's process is both rigorous and inspiring. After her day job, she dives into archives, scientific journals, and social media to uncover stories of scientists who deserve recognition. From Gladys West, whose mathematical work laid the foundation for GPS, to Ijeoma Uchegbu, a pioneer in pharmaceutical nanoscience, Jess's entries highlight women and minority scientists whose innovations have shaped modern life. Each biography, taking hours to compile, is a labor of love, blending rigorous research with a commitment to neutrality to meet Wikipedia's strict notability criteria.

Her work also educates her. "I learn so much science in the process," Jess has said, describing the joy of uncovering stories like that of Sumitra Mitra, whose nanomaterials revolutionized dental procedures worldwide. By highlighting such achievements, Jess not only corrects historical oversights but also inspires others to pursue STEM careers.

Advocating for Systemic Change in STEM

Jess's own background, shaped by a privileged upbringing as the daughter of two physicians and supportive private school teachers, fuels her drive to level the playing field. She recognizes that not everyone has the same opportunities, a realization that fuels her anger at the barriers faced by underrepresented groups. At Imperial College, where she encountered a physics department dominated by white men, Jess saw firsthand how a lack of diversity can alienate talented individuals. "Science is better with diverse teams," she asserts, noting that inclusive perspectives are vital for addressing global challenges like climate change, antibiotic resistance, and emerging pandemics.

Broader Impact: Editathons, Awards, and Outreach

Jess's influence extends beyond writing. She organizes editathons to teach others how to contribute to Wikipedia, collaborates with organizations like 500 Women Scientists, and nominates underrepresented scientists for awards. Her efforts have tangible impacts: ten scientists she nominated have won major prizes, amplifying their visibility and influence. She also engages young audiences through her children's book, Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small, making science accessible and exciting.

Her work has earned her recognition, including a nod from Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales and a robust Wikipedia page of her own, spanning ten pages. Yet, she remains focused on the bigger picture: a future where science reflects the societies it serves. For Jess, every Wikipedia page is a step toward closing the gap, ensuring that the next generation of scientists, particularly women and people of color, see themselves represented and empowered. To her, it's about making science "a more inclusive and fair place to be," a mission she pursues with relentless optimism and unwavering resolve.

A Lasting Legacy

Jess Wade's work is a testament to the power of individual action in addressing systemic inequities. Each Wikipedia entry she creates chips away at the gender and racial gaps in STEM, making science more inclusive and accessible. Her vision is clear: a future where women and minority scientists are celebrated as routinely as their male counterparts, and where young girls see endless possibilities in STEM. As Jess continues her daily mission, she remains a "tiny fish in a massive sea," but one whose ripples are reshaping the scientific landscape for generations to come.