Merkel Backs AI Art Highlighting Forgotten Female Scientists

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, herself a doctor of physics, has championed the cause of women in science and research at a unique art exhibition in Berlin.

Using AI to Correct the Record

Speaking at the opening of the "Missed Images" (Versäumte Bilder) exhibition, Merkel highlighted a project that uses artificial intelligence to bring visibility to female researchers from history. The exhibition, held at the Ministry of Research, features AI-generated images by photographer Gesine Born. The project aims to recreate scenes featuring prominent female scientific pioneers who were denied the recognition they deserved during their lifetimes.

A Glimpse into What Could Have Been

Merkel praised the photographer's vision, stating, "You depict what could have been, or rather, what should have been historically." One powerful example is an AI-generated image of physicist Amalie Kretzer. The computer was prompted to show her in a proud pose on the University of Bonn campus in 1909. Kretzer was the first woman to earn a doctorate in physics at the university, but a lack of career opportunities forced her to abandon science and become a teacher.

Acknowledging a Legacy of Overlooked Pioneers

The exhibition's accompanying booklet notes that this issue was systemic, with women's research achievements often being credited to their male colleagues. A prominent example cited is Lise Meitner, a key figure in the discovery of nuclear fission. Despite her crucial role, the Nobel Prize in 1944 was awarded solely to her colleague, Otto Hahn.

Merkel's Call for Conscious Promotion

Merkel, who said she was immediately captivated by the exhibition's theme, used the platform to deliver a powerful message. She stressed that women need to be promoted in a "very conscious and deliberate manner," adding that there is no shortage of suitable candidates. Her presence and words underscored the ongoing importance of actively supporting and recognizing the contributions of women in science.