Why using initials devalues women in science

0717CW - Last Retort - index

Source: © Marie-Helene Jeeves

Are we masking role models by our choice of abbreviation?

What does it mean, that it is so easy for a woman in science – one with her eyes open, I permit myself to think – to remain ignorant of the existence of a well-qualified role model, despite considerable familiarity with the work itself? What does this say about academic publishing, or scientific culture in general?