STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — On Thursday, October 8th, the 2020 Nobel Prizes were awarded to several intellectual leaders from around the world, many of whom were women. Louise Glück, the winner of the Literature award, and chemistry award winners Emanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna, were recognized for their extensive contributions to their respective fields. Glück, Charpentier, and Doudna all made history with their Nobel Prize recognitions as leading female experts in their lines of work, and have become role models for artists and scientists of the future.

Born in 1943, the New York–based poet Louise Glück received fame for her many successful works, including over 24 books and numerous essays. Much of her writing, fueled by her passion and creativity, has received recognition, from institutions such as the National Book Critics Circle for Poetry in 1985. Glück’s commitment, creativity, and expression of genuine emotion throughout her work is highlighted by her Nobel Prize win.

Emanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna also made history with their win. The Pierre and Marie Curie University and Harvard Medical School graduates were honored for their revolutionary studies of the molecular mechanisms of the human immune system,  along with their work on CRISPR, a type of gene-editing technology. Charpentier and Doudna’s research enhanced the ability to alter the DNA of living organisms, giving scientists the power to find cures to diseases, disorders, and disabilities that humans struggle with all around the world. The advances made by Charpentier and Doudna will be revolutionary for the world of biology and chemistry. Following in the footsteps of Marie Curie, these female scientists are leaders in their field, and role models to the young, aspiring thinkers of the future.

These 2020 Nobel Prize wins demonstrate the excellence and dedication exhibited by the awardees. Glück, Charpentier, and Doudna will continue to pave the way for female thinkers for years to come.

Disclaimer: This article pulls upon coverage from The New York Times, Nobel Prize website, and Yourgenome Website