using einstein’s iconic image to campaign for equality and a nobel prize for mileva marić

albert einstein is one of the most famous scientists of all time, but how often do you hear about mileva marić? marić was a serbian physicist and mathematician who was also the first wife of einstein. it is alleged that she co-authored many academic achievements of the famous scientist including his 1905 paper on the theory of relativity, although it hasn’t been definitively proved or disproved. regardless, while einstein was lauded for his achievements, winning the nobel prize in 1921, marić’s contributions to science have never been recognized.

in defense of gender equality and female recognition in science and technology, inspiring girls international  has launched a campaign called #nobelformileva. using illustrations and videos, the organization wants to inspire girls interested in STEM jobs and advocate for the nobel foundation in sweden to recognize the work and talents of marić.

artwork by teodora jelenic

the first part of the #nobelformileva campaign is a video documenting a brief history of mileva marić and an invitation for women and people of any gender identity to take selfies sticking their tongues out and then post them on social media, giving new meaning to the gesture that transformed albert einstein into a pop icon. the gesture is the main symbol to represent the fight for equal rights.

artwork by isabee

the movement also relies on the ‘milevas of the future’, an animated short film that you can watch below. it follows the story of three girls who are passionate about science and find in mileva marić the necessary encouragement to follow their dreams.

artwork by li xinmo

artwork by ale giorgini

artwork by thiago lacorte

artwork by kervin brisseaux

artwork by gabriela tozati

a 3D model of mileva’s statue with the tongue out was printed in universities

social media engagement

project info:

name: #nobelformileva

campaign organized by: inspiring girls international

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.