Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/5 stars)

This is the kind of book that makes you fall in love with science all over again. Dale DeBakcsy’s A History of Women in Psychology and Neuroscience is a sweeping, breathtaking tribute to the brilliant women who have not only shaped the field but, in many ways, created it. It’s not just a collection of names and dates—it’s a living, breathing history of female ingenuity, resilience, and determination. And if there’s one thing this book does with excellence, it’s making sure that the legacy of these women shines brightly, ensuring they receive the recognition that they’ve long deserved.

The moment you crack open this book, you are met with the undeniable truth: women have been a driving force in psychology and neuroscience since their inception. From the late 19th century to the present day, DeBakcsy tells the stories of 267 women whose breakthroughs have changed the way we understand the human mind. Their stories are carefully intertwined with the history of these fields, revealing not only what they discovered but also the often immense challenges they faced as women in science.

Each chapter feels like a love letter to these women, whether it’s Christine Ladd Franklin’s pioneering research into how the brain perceives color or May-Britt Moser’s Nobel-winning discovery of the grid cells that help us map our surroundings. There’s a sense of awe and deep respect in the way DeBakcsy presents these stories, allowing readers to truly appreciate the magnitude of their contributions. These are not footnotes in the history of science—they are the foundation.

One of the many things that stands out in this book is its humanity. These women weren’t just researchers—they were dreamers, innovators, and often trailblazers in a world that wasn’t always kind to them. Many of them, like Augusta Dejerine-Klumpke, fought against institutional barriers and societal expectations to make discoveries that would lay the groundwork for modern neuroscience. Others, like Virginia Johnson, pushed the boundaries of cultural norms by exploring topics that society was too squeamish to touch, such as human sexual response. Their perseverance in the face of discrimination, financial hardships, and the constant balancing act of personal and professional life is nothing short of inspiring.

DeBakcsy also does a phenomenal job of contextualizing their work. This isn’t just a biography of individuals; it’s a deep dive into the scientific questions that shaped their research. From understanding how memories are formed to exploring the neurological conditions that link behavior to brain function, the book explores the wide-reaching implications of these women’s work. And what’s more, it illustrates how their findings are not just historical footnotes, but continue to influence current research and debates in psychology and neuroscience today.

What makes A History of Women in Psychology and Neuroscience truly remarkable, though, is the way it ties together the technical with the personal. Yes, the discoveries are groundbreaking, but the real beauty of the book lies in the stories of these women’s lives—how they defied expectations, broke down barriers, and, in doing so, paved the way for future generations of women in STEM. It’s a reminder that science is not just about cold facts; it’s a deeply human endeavor. These women weren’t just changing their fields—they were changing the world.

The attention to detail in this book is astounding. Every woman’s story is carefully researched and lovingly told, from the early innovators like Christine Ladd Franklin to modern pioneers like May-Britt Moser. DeBakcsy takes great care to highlight the diversity of their backgrounds and fields of study, showing that women have been at the forefront of all areas of psychology and neuroscience—from cognitive psychology to behavioral neuroscience to neurophysiology.

But what truly sets this book apart is its ability to inspire. Reading it feels like being handed a torch lit by the brilliant minds of these women, and as a reader—especially one aspiring to join the ranks of women in STEM—you can’t help but feel empowered. You start to see yourself in these trailblazers, women who were once students, daughters, and dreamers, just like you. And when you read about their breakthroughs, their tireless efforts to push forward in a world that often pushed back, you realize that their story could one day be your story.

In a world where the contributions of women to science are often overlooked or forgotten, A History of Women in Psychology and Neuroscience is a bold, beautiful act of remembrance and celebration. It’s a must-read for anyone who is passionate about science, gender equality, or simply loves a good story of overcoming the odds. Whether you’re a budding neuroscientist, a psychology enthusiast, or someone who, like the author, wants to shine a light on these forgotten figures, this book will leave you not just educated, but moved.

In short, this is more than just a history of women in STEM—it’s a testament to the power of human determination, curiosity, and brilliance. It’s a book that should be proudly displayed on every scientist’s shelf and read by anyone who dares to dream of shaping the future of science.

If these women could read this book today, they would no doubt feel the same way I do: proud, seen, and incredibly inspired.

NetGalley, Chelsea Dugan

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book celebrates the groundbreaking contributions of 267 women who revolutionized our understanding of the brain and human behavior. From color perception to intimate response, memory formation to social interactions, these pioneering women have made significant discoveries that continue to shape our knowledge of the human mind.

This book is arranged chronologically, more like encyclopedic entries than a narrative. Full of fascinating information, it can be read straight through or treated as a reference book.

NetGalley, Andrea Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

It was great to learn about the women behind the theories and research in a historically male dominated field with a broad range of theories covered. I liked the brief portraits chapters, both for the early twentieth century and modern age, mixed in with the specific researchers and their work/theories. I also liked the photos at the end of some of the researchers, especially Anna Freud and Melanie Klein who I had read a lot about previously but never had a face to put to the name. Finally, the glossary is very helpful and I found the title entertaining (So … what does that mean? A glossary of frequently used but kind of weird terms).

NetGalley, Kira Knight

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A History of Women in Psychology and Neuroscience - Exploring the Trailblazers of STEM by Dale DeBakcsy is an absolutely fascinating insight into 267 female trailblazers in what is still the relatively young scince of Psychology and its contribution to soceity as a whole

While I experienced quite a balanced representation of both genders when I studied to MSc, in soceity, the contribution of women in the field is limited (but to be fair, many don't consider the field to comprise much more than Freud's theories, but I digress)

Concise, compelling and articulate, Dale Debacksy has compiled an essential record of some of the most significant contributions to the understanding of thought and beyond. A truly brilliant book.

NetGalley, Ink Reads

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A History of Women in Psychology and Neuroscience is a non-fiction book about the women scientists of neuroscience and psychology. In this well researched and edited book, we learn about 267 women whose work helped shape the practices and understanding of mental health, brain, and cognition. As someone whose research topics is neuroscience and creativity, I had to read this book. I was not aware of many of the scientists in this book,
The further reading suggestions are helpful, and the book is comprehensive and informative. I enjoyed learning about these women’s contributions and discoveries, as well as the stories of the discoveries themselves.

NetGalley, Didem Durak Akser