In the FemMetal Awards 2023, music and science collide! Each award is named after a badass female scientist, giving a nod to their incredible achievements. It’s like our own Rock and Metal tribute to these inspiring women. So, let’s meet the scientists behind the awards and discover the cool connections between their accomplishments and the categories. Ready for this epic blend of tunes and science?
Marie Curie
Let’s kick off with the ‘Radiation Award,’ paying homage to the iconic Marie Curie. This accolade is a radiant salute to the revolutionary scientist who unveiled the mysteries of radioactivity. Known for her groundbreaking discovery of radium and polonium, Marie Curie’s brilliance earned her not one but two Nobel Prizes—first in Physics in 1903 for her work on radioactivity alongside Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel, and later in Chemistry in 1911 for her isolation of radium and polonium elements. As the ‘Radiation Award’ lights up the Best Metal Act category, it echoes the boldness and energy that defined Curie’s scientific journey.
Rosalind Franklin
Now, shifting gears to the ‘Helical Award,’ a tribute to Rosalind Franklin. Renowned for her significant work in X-ray diffraction photography, Franklin played a crucial role in unveiling the helical structure of DNA. Although her contributions were often overshadowed in her time, this award for the Best Rock/Alternative Act aims to shine a light on her legacy. Much like the double helix she unraveled, the Best Rock/Alternative Act explores diverse and intertwined sounds.
Ada Lovelace
Next, the ‘Logic Award,’ pays tribute to the brilliant Ada Lovelace, the visionary mathematician. Recognised for her pioneering work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, Lovelace is considered the world’s first computer programmer. This award, bestowed upon the Best Album, celebrates the analytical prowess that echoes Lovelace’s legacy. Much like Lovelace’s logical approach to computing, the Best Album category explores musical compositions with precision and innovation.
Emmy Noether
Moving on to the ‘Symmetry Award,’ a salute to the remarkable Emmy Noether, the pioneer in mathematical symmetry. Renowned for her significant contributions to theoretical physics, Noether’s theorem remains a cornerstone in the understanding of symmetries and conservation laws. This award for the Best Music Video celebrates the harmonious blend of visuals and sounds. Just as Noether found beauty in mathematical symmetry, the Best Music Video category explores the art of visual symmetry in musical storytelling.
Margaret Hamilton
Let’s shine a spotlight on the ‘Apollo Award,’ celebrating Margaret Hamilton, the software engineering pioneer. Known for her groundbreaking work on the Apollo space program, Hamilton played a crucial role in developing the onboard flight software for NASA’s Apollo missions. This award, given to the Best Vocals, celebrates the stellar performances that echo Hamilton’s dedication to precision and innovation. Just as Hamilton navigated the complexities of space software, the Best Vocals category explores vocal mastery in the vast universe of music. As we honour Margaret Hamilton’s legacy, we draw parallels between the precision of space exploration and the artistry of vocal expression.
Henrietta Leavitt
Next is the ‘Cosmic Award,’ a tribute to the extraordinary astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. Renowned for her work on variable stars, Leavitt’s discovery of the period-luminosity relationship paved the way for measuring cosmic distances. This award for the Best Brutal Vocals celebrates the powerful and cosmic sounds that echo Leavitt’s exploration of the universe. Just as Leavitt deciphered the language of the stars, the Best Brutal Vocals category explores vocal intensity in the vast expanse of metal.
Maria Merian
‘Metamorphosis Award’ is a nod to the remarkable Maria Merian, the pioneering entomologist and artist. Famous for her studies on metamorphosis in insects, Merian’s detailed illustrations revolutionised scientific understanding. This award for the Best Instrument Player celebrates the transformative and intricate sounds echoing Merian’s dedication to capturing nature’s metamorphic beauty. Just as Merian unfolded the life cycles of insects, the Best Instrument Player category explores the power of musical instruments.
Alice Ball
Next, we have the ‘Chaulmoogra Award,’ a tribute to the brilliant Alice Ball, the pioneering chemist. Known for her groundbreaking work in developing a successful treatment for leprosy using Chaulmoogra oil, Ball’s contributions revolutionised medical science. This award, given to the Best Breakthrough Metal Act, celebrates the bold and innovative sounds of emerging metal talents, echoing Ball’s spirit of youthful experimentation and significant achievements. Just as Ball transformed the landscape of leprosy treatment, the Best Breakthrough Metal Act category explores the power of breakthrough sounds in the metal genre, embracing the energy and innovation synonymous with the spirit of Alice Ball’s pioneering legacy.
Rita Levi-Montalcini
Moving on to the ‘Neurogenesis Award,’ we celebrate the exceptional Rita Levi-Montalcini, a revolutionary neuroscientist. Acknowledged for her pivotal contributions to neurobiology, particularly the identification of nerve growth factors, Levi-Montalcini’s work laid the foundation for comprehending nerve cell development. In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Levi-Montalcini was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986, alongside Stanley Cohen, for their discoveries of growth factors in the development of cells and organs. This award for the Best Breakthrough Rock Act celebrates the dynamic and inventive sounds that echo Levi-Montalcini’s commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the nervous system.
Mary Anning
Shifting our focus to the ‘Fossil Award,’ we pay tribute to the remarkable Mary Anning, the pioneering paleontologist. Recognised for her keen eye and groundbreaking fossil discoveries along the Jurassic Coast, Anning’s work laid the groundwork for our understanding of prehistoric life. This award, given to the Best Release by a Breakthrough Act, celebrates the enduring sounds that echo Anning’s dedication to unearthing ancient treasures. As we honour Mary Anning’s legacy, we draw connections between her impactful discoveries and the significant sounds of emerging musical acts.
Barbara McClintock
With the ‘Genetic Award,’ we pay homage to geneticist Barbara McClintock. Recognised for her groundbreaking work in maize genetics, McClintock’s discoveries, particularly the identification of transposons, revolutionised our understanding of genetic mechanisms. This award, given to the Best Write-In Act, opens the stage for music enthusiasts to champion their own discoveries. With no predefined nominees, this category celebrates the innovative sounds that echo McClintock’s commitment to unraveling the complexities of the genetic code.
Caroline Herschel
Finally, the ‘Celestial Award,’ a salute to the extraordinary astronomer Caroline Herschel. Famous for her pioneering work in discovering comets and nebulae, Herschel’s astronomical insights expanded our understanding of the cosmos. Notably, she became the first woman to receive a salary as a professional astronomer. This award, given to the Best Rock/Metal Influencer, honours the celestial sounds and influential figures who, like Herschel, navigate the vast musical universe. In a category without predefined nominees, the ‘Celestial Award’ invites music enthusiasts to highlight social media influencers shaping the rock and metal scene. As we pay homage to Caroline Herschel’s legacy, we draw parallels between her celestial discoveries and the influential voices guiding the musical journey in the social media realm.
In the symphony of science and sound, the FemMetal Awards 2023 proudly celebrate the fusion of music and the groundbreaking achievements of pioneering women in science. As we journey through the resonating beats of each award named after remarkable scientists, we invite you to explore the nominees and cast your votes. The stage is set, and the voting window opens from January 15th to the end of January 22nd. Join us in honoring these extraordinary women and shaping the future of metal and rock. Let the melodies of discovery and innovation guide your choices. Rock on, and may the best acts triumph!
Check the nominees
Photo Credits:
[1] Marie Curie in 1911. Source: Fotograv. – Generalstabens Litografiska Anstalt Stockholm
[2] Rosalind Franklin with a microscope in 1955. Source: From the personal collection of Jenifer Glynn.
[3] Portrait of Ada King, Countess of Lovelace (Ada Lovelace), possibly by Alfred Edward Chalon. Source: Science Museum Group
[4] Portrait of Emmy Noether, around 1900, Unknown author. Source: link
[5] Photograph of Margaret Hamilton taken by photographer Daphne Weld Nichols
[6] Henrietta Swan Leavitt (1868 – 1921), American astronomer. Source: link
[7] Portrait of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717). Source: Geschenk von Louise Bachofen-Burckhardt 1904
[8] Alice Augusta Ball in 1915. Source: link
[9] Rita Levi Montalcini, 20 April 2009. Source: Official website of the “Presidenza della Repubblica Italiana”
[10] Portrait of Mary Anning with her dog Tray and the Golden Cap outcrop in the background, Natural History Museum, London. This painting was owned by her brother Joseph and presented to the museum in 1935 by Miss Annette Anning. Source: link
[11] Barbara McClintock (1902-1992), Department of Genetics, Carnegie Institution at Cold Spring Harbor, New York, shown in her laboratory. This photograph was distributed when McClintock received the American Association of University Women Achievement Award in 1947 for her work on cytogenetics. Source: link
[12] Brustbild als Ölgemälde der hannoverschen Wissenschaftlerin und Astronmin Caroline Herschel durch den um 1815 oder 1816 zum Königlich Hannoverschen Hofmaler erhobenen belgischen Kunstmaler Melchior Gommar Tieleman, links datiert 1829 und mit der Künstlersignatur. Source: link
