May 31

Johann Georg Baiter (1801–1887) was a Swiss philologist and classical scholar celebrated for his rigorous examination of Greek and Latin texts. He collaborated with leading scholars to produce critical editions of ancient authors, including Aeschylus and Aristophanes. Baiter's precise collation of manuscripts advanced the field of textual criticism. He served as a professor at the University of Bern, influencing a generation of philologists. His scholarly rigor and attention to detail set new standards for classical studies. Baiter's contributions remain fundamental to modern editions of classical literature.

Kusumoto Ine (1827–1903) was the first Japanese woman to study and practice Western medicine, breaking gender barriers in 19th-century Japan. Born to a Japanese mother and German physician father, she received medical training under prominent doctors in Edo. Ine treated patients during outbreaks of cholera and other epidemics, earning respect for her skill and compassion. She later taught medicine to female students, laying the foundation for women's medical education in Japan. Her perseverance in a male-dominated field inspired future generations of female physicians. Kusumoto's legacy highlights the integration of Western medical practices in early modern Japan.

Born in 1852 in Buenos Aires, Francisco Moreno led scientific expeditions across Patagonia, mapping vast and previously uncharted regions. He conducted research in archaeology, anthropology, and geography, earning recognition as a leading scholar in Argentina. Moreno's efforts contributed to the establishment of national parks and conservation policies. He became the first director of the La Plata Museum and promoted public education. His enduring impact on Argentine science and environmental protection is celebrated today.

Born in 1852, Julius Richard Petri studied medicine under Robert Koch and embarked on groundbreaking work in bacteriology. In 1887, he developed the Petri dish, revolutionizing the cultivation and study of microorganisms. His innovations enabled more precise isolation of bacterial cultures, advancing the field of microbiology. Petri published numerous papers on bacterial classification and laboratory techniques. He served as a military physician and retired in 1902, leaving a lasting legacy in medical science.

Born in 1858, Graham Wallas studied at Oxford and became one of the founding members of the London School of Economics. He co-founded the Fabian Society and wrote influential works on group psychology, including The Great Society. Wallas introduced the four-stage model of creativity and studied public opinion and political behavior. He advocated for social reform and adult education throughout his career. His interdisciplinary approach bridged psychology, sociology, and politics.

Maurice Allais was born in Paris in 1911 and studied at the École Polytechnique before embarking on a distinguished academic career. He made pioneering contributions to general equilibrium theory, capital theory, and monetary policy, challenging established economic models. Allais also conducted experimental research in physics, including studies on pendulum motion and gravity. His interdisciplinary approach and influential publications led to the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1988. Allais continued teaching and writing until his death in 2010, leaving a profound impact on economics and physics.

Chien-Shiung Wu emigrated from China to the United States and became a leading physicist at Columbia University, contributing to the Manhattan Project during World War II. In 1956, she designed the famous experiment that demonstrated parity violation in weak nuclear interactions, reshaping the field of particle physics. Wu was the first woman president of the American Physical Society and received numerous honors, including the National Medal of Science. Her meticulous research methods and dedication inspired generations of scientists. She remained active in research and advocacy until her death in 1997.

Born in Texas, Quarterman pursued degrees in chemistry before joining the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He played a key role in the isolation and analysis of plutonium during World War II. After the war, he continued his research in analytical chemistry and spectroscopy, publishing several scientific papers. Throughout his career, he advocated for diversity in the sciences and mentored young minority scientists. His work helped lay the foundations for peaceful applications of nuclear technology.

John Robert Schrieffer was born in 1931 and became one of the youngest recipients of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1972. Alongside John Bardeen and Leon Cooper, he formulated the BCS theory, explaining the quantum mechanics of superconductivity at low temperatures. Schrieffer's work revolutionized condensed matter physics and deepened understanding of electrical resistance phenomena. He held professorships at prestigious institutions, including the University of Illinois and Florida State University, mentoring generations of physicists. His later research explored particle physics and complex systems, earning him recognition from scientific societies worldwide. Schrieffer's pioneering contributions continue to influence physics and material science research today.

Jay Miner's innovations in microprocessor and video chip design revolutionized the personal computer industry. After early work on Atari gaming consoles, he led the development of the Atari 800 and later co-designed the Amiga computer, renowned for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities. Miner’s architectural breakthroughs laid groundwork for modern multimedia computing. His contributions earned him recognition as a visionary in hardware engineering.

Born in 1941, he is best known for his groundbreaking research on nitric oxide in the cardiovascular system. In 1998, he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for uncovering how blood vessels relax via nitric oxide. His work has led to advances in treating heart disease, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. As a professor at UCLA, he has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and several books. He founded biotechnology companies to translate his research into therapeutic applications. His legacy bridges fundamental science and clinical innovation, impacting millions of patients worldwide.

Born in 1941, he is a professor at Yale University renowned for his work in economic modeling. He pioneered the development of integrated assessment models linking economic growth and climate change. In 2018, he received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his efforts to quantify and address global warming. His DICE model has become a standard tool for policymakers worldwide. He has authored influential books such as 'A Question of Balance' and 'The Climate Casino'. His research continues to inform debates on carbon pricing, sustainability, and environmental policy.