The Patio End-of-Year Talk: A Network of One’s Own

Speakers: Mathilde Contreras Latorre (Numen Europe); Silvia Donker (University of Groningen)

Abstract: How were women scientists written out of history, and how can we bring them back in? This talk explores how digital humanities and network analysis can help recover the overlooked contributions of women in early modern science. Drawing on data from over 400 texts, the speakers trace both explicit and indirect references to figures like Maria Agnesi, Laura Bassi, and Caroline Herschel. Through a combination of feminist archival methods, distant and close reading, and digital tools, the talk reveals how women were embedded in scientific networks in this attempt of reparative historiography.

Informal gathering: For those attending in person, we’ll head out for drinks and conversation after the talk, around 5:00 p.m.