The new Women in Science Fund will support continuing and new activities that focus on recognizing and overcoming barriers that affect the participation of women in science, technology, and medicine; identifying and resolving issues that women face in the scientific workforce; and developing practices that help women build successful careers in science.

With their most recent donations, all three women became members of the Marie Curie Society. The Curie Society acknowledges members and friends whose cumulative giving to the National Academies is $250,000 to $499,999. Marcia McNutt is a member of the NAS (‘05) and NAE (‘21) and has served as President of the NAS since 2016. Diane Griffin is a member of the NAS (‘04) and NAM (‘04) and has served as NAS Vice President since 2013. Susan Wessler is a member of the NAS (‘98) and has served as NAS Home Secretary since 2011.

While reflecting on the decision to make their donation jointly, McNutt, Griffin, and Wessler note, “Over the last decade, the NAS has increased the number of women elected to membership in recognition of women’s significant contributions to research that have been overlooked in the past, and we look forward to calling on them as we address the challenges of the 21st century. As officers of the NAS, we are pleased to honor all women’s accomplishments in scientific progress, science leadership, science policy, science communication, and student mentorship."