Laura Bassi Veratti, born on October 31, 1711, in Bologna, Italy, was a trailblazing physicist and philosopher who made history as the first woman to earn a doctorate in science and the first female professor at a European university. Her extraordinary intellect was nurtured from a young age through private tutoring, which included subjects such as philosophy and mathematics.

By the age of 20, her debating skills in physics and philosophy had attracted significant attention from leading academics. In 1732, she publicly defended her theses, earning her doctorate and becoming the first woman to be admitted to the Bologna Academy of Sciences.

Bassi’s achievements continued to mount in 1732 when she was appointed as a professor of natural philosophy at the University of Bologna. This appointment marked her as the first paid female lecturer in history, although her role was limited by university policies that restricted her teaching opportunities.

Despite these challenges, Bassi leveraged her marriage to fellow scientist Giuseppe Veratti in 1738 to further her academic ambitions. She began conducting lectures and experiments from her home, attracting students eager to learn about Newtonian physics and electricity.

Her research primarily focused on experimental physics and hydraulics. Bassi authored 28 papers during her career, although many have not survived.

She became known for her experiments with electricity, contributing significantly to the understanding of its properties during an era when such studies were still emerging. Bassi’s efforts helped introduce Newtonian principles to Italy, positioning her as a key figure in the scientific community.

Bassi’s legacy is profound; she not only broke gender barriers but also inspired future generations of women in science. In 1776, she achieved another milestone by being appointed to the Chair of Experimental Physics at the University of Bologna, making her the first woman to hold such a position at a university.

Despite facing societal constraints and skepticism from male colleagues throughout her career, Bassi’s determination and brilliance shone through.

Laura Bassi passed away on February 20, 1778, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate today. Her life exemplifies the potential for women in academia and science during a time when such opportunities were rare.

Commemorated for her groundbreaking achievements, Bassi remains an enduring symbol of women’s contributions to science and education, inspiring ongoing conversations about gender equality in these fields.