A lab of one’s own: Cambridge women in the First World War

Speaker: Patricia Fara, an Emeritus Fellow of Clare College, is a historian of science who has written several popular books and is a regular contributor to In our Time and other radio/TV programmes.

The First World War was a national event with local implications. Many Cambridge women took over traditionally male roles, including some extraordinary scientists, doctors and engineers who helped to ensure victory. Confronting danger, prejudice and disease, they worked in factories, laboratories and hospitals, both at home and overseas. After the Armistice, as returning soldiers reclaimed their positions, the old stereotypes returned, and women were squeezed out once again – but Britain had changed forever.

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