Florence Bells contributions to DNA science overlooked, reflecting female researchers being marginalized

milton keynes (uk): florence bell, a contributor to the dna structure discovery, went unrecognized in her death, with her occupation listed as "housewife." nearly eight decades later, female researchers still face systemic obstacles, such as biases, harassment, and inequities. the gender disparity in academia persists due to factors like part-time work, additional administrative tasks for women, and biases affecting grant allocations. women from marginalized backgrounds face double disadvantages, often burdened with mentorship responsibilities without extra time. the cycle leads to burnout, with successful female academics working over 50 hours a week. to address this, universities should recognize and credit teaching, mentoring, and community contributions alongside research. without systemic reforms, the scientific community risks losing the diverse perspectives women bring. recent discoveries highlight the underestimated contributions of women like rosalind franklin and florence bell, emphasizing the need for proper support and recognition for female researchers.