If Einstein was a woman – a reimagined world of science and technology

By Shreya Krishnan

Einstein. A name synonymous with genius, with revolutionising physics, with reshaping the very fabric of reality. But what if the Einstein the world revered had been a woman? What if the theory of relativity had been pioneered not by Albert, but by his sister, Maria ‘Maja’ Einstein, while navigating the unrelenting barriers of a world that refused to see her genius?

This is more than a thought experiment. It’s an urgent reflection on how many scientific revolutions were lost, delayed or erased because of systemic gender bias. It’s a reality check on how Maja Einstein – a brilliant academic, a gifted thinker – was never given the same platform, opportunities or recognition as her brother.

Had she been, would today’s world look different? Would women’s representation in STEM be more balanced? Would scientific innovation have taken a more ethical and human-centred trajectory?

A woman at the helm of physics – do we dare imagine?

The overlooked genius

History remembers Albert Einstein as the defining genius of modern physics, but his younger sister Maja was an intellectual powerhouse in her own right. Multilingual and highly educated, she held a doctorate in Romance languages and was an accomplished pianist. Deeply analytical, she was one of Albert’s closest intellectual companions, often engaging in philosophical and scientific debates that likely influenced his thinking.

She completed her dissertation on medieval French literary works, Chevalier au Cygne and the Enfances Godefroi, and was accepted into Switzerland’s teaching programme – an exceptional academic feat for a woman in the early 1900s.

Though not formally trained in physics, her academic rigour and intellectual curiosity suggest that, had she been encouraged to pursue the sciences, she could have made significant contributions. With access to the same networks and mentorship as Albert, Maja might have developed theories that would have transformed our understanding of physics.

Instead of existing in the periphery of academia, she could have led a new wave of scientific thought, integrating philosophy, ethics and human impact into the foundations of theoretical physics.

Rewriting history with a different ‘Einstein’

Scientific history has shown that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Research suggests that women in STEM often prioritise interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application of theories.

We have seen the likes of physicist Lise Meitner, who discovered nuclear fission but refused to work in the Manhattan Project. During the Cold War years, Nobel-Prize winner Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkins was responsible for developing X-ray crystallography, which contributed to life-saving medical treatments. More recently, Former Chair of the US Nuclear Regulatory Committee, Shirley Ann Jackson advocated for a demilitarised, ethical usage of nuclear energy.

Had a woman been recognised as the leader of theoretical physics, scientific advancements could possibly have followed a different trajectory. Research funding, then, would have been allocated toward ethical and sustainable scientific pursuits earlier, fostering developments in renewable energy and climate science decades before they became global priorities. The push for nuclear technology might have been directed towards energy innovation rather than weaponisation, altering the course of the 20th century’s geopolitical landscape.

Imagining a world where STEM knew no gender

Furthermore, a female Einstein at the forefront of physics would have set a precedent for gender inclusivity in STEM, encouraging institutions to open their doors to women much earlier, and ensuring that future generations of female scientists were given the support and recognition they deserved.

The gender gap in STEM might have closed decades ago, creating a scientific community that was more balanced and representative of diverse perspectives. More women in leadership positions within scientific institutions could have led to a shift in research priorities, placing greater emphasis on solving global challenges such as disease eradication, climate change, and humanitarian technological advancements.

The visibility of a female Einstein could have reshaped societal expectations, making it natural rather than exceptional for young girls to aspire toward careers in physics, engineering, and mathematics. An entire generation could have grown up with a woman as a symbol of intellectual brilliance. And it could have transformed the landscape of mentorship, education, and opportunity for women in STEM.

Turning ‘what-ifs’ into reality

The world never gave Maja Einstein the stage she needed. But today, we have the power to change that narrative. At my organisation AnitaB.org, we work to ensure that no brilliant mind is left behind simply because of gender. We advocate for policies that uplift women in STEM, create mentorship networks, and push for systemic changes that break down barriers – so that today’s Maja Einsteins don’t go unrecognised.

Had Maja been the ‘Einstein’, perhaps we wouldn’t still be having these conversations about gender equity in STEM. But here’s the truth: the next ‘Einstein’ might already be among us. She might be coding in her bedroom, leading an AI breakthrough, or designing the next era of sustainable tech. The question is – will we recognise her?

Because genius is not defined by gender. Opportunity is.

Shreya Krishnan is the managing director of AnitaB.org India, an NGO committed to elevating the role of women in technology. Through advocacy, mentorship and events like the Grace Hopper Celebration India, the organisation works to build a future where women are at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement.