The Matilda Project

Website – https://www.thematildaproject.com/

The Matilda Project is an initiative to raise awareness of gender bias towards women in science. This projects includes both an educational animation as well as the design of a website which will include an online archive of contemporary and historical examples of women in science who have one thing in common - The Matilda Effect.

The Matilda Effect – a term coined by historian Margaret W. Rossiter – describes the phenomenon of women scientists who have been ignored, forgotten, or denied credit due to sex-linked biases. The unfortunate reality is that the Matilda Effect is still prevalent today as women are not given due credit for their scientific achievements. To address this issue, an initiative called ‘The Matilda Project’ was launched. The Matilda Project involves the creation of an educational animation and website. The animation provides a brief overview of the topic in question and links to the website which will serve as a comprehensive collection of historical & contemporary women scientists who share one thing in common – the Matilda Effect. The animation employs an engaging and approachable tone, accomplished through relaxing music & narration, a calming colour palette, subtle 2D/3D animations & organic textures. Recognizable and diverse examples of brilliant scientists – such as Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu – were selected to drive the narrative and illustrate the wide reach of the Matilda Effect. The animated video is primarily intended for undergraduate students, but also the wider academic community. Ultimately, this animation will raise awareness of inequality and gender bias toward women in science and facilitate conversations for positive change moving forward.