Margaret Rossiter was an American historian of science who uncovered overlooked contributions of women in STEM. After earning her PhD in the history of science from Yale University in 1971, Rossiter became one of the first historians to systematically study women in STEM, documenting the experiences of women scientists, and challenging the traditional narratives that had largely excluded them.
Rossiter is best known for coining the term the “Matilda Effect” to describe the systematic denial of recognition to women scientists, whose achievements were often attributed to male colleagues. Her three-volume series Women Scientists in America remains a landmark work, chronicling both the barriers and the resilience of women in STEM across generations.
Over the course of her career, Rossiter has held academic appointments at several universities and received numerous honors, including a MacArthur Fellowship. Through her meticulous research and advocacy, she reshaped the field of history of science and inspired greater recognition of women’s essential role in scientific discovery. Rossiter passed away on August 3, 2025.