Google pays homage to scientist Katsuko Saruhashi with a doodle on her 98th birth anniversary

NEW DELHI: On her 98th birth anniversary, Japanese scientist Katsuko Saruhashi became the new inspiration for Google doodle. The doodle showed a caricature of the renowned geochemist against a backdrop of oceanic waves.

Dr Saruhashi was born in Tokyo in 1920 and dedicated her life in pursuing geochemistry. She made a name for herself at a time when women rarely made headlines in the field.

She created a 'Saruhashi's Table' that helped oceanographers with the measurement to determine the carbonic acid substances in natural waters - based on various factors like temperature, pH level and chlorinity. It was only after 30 years, her table was replaced by computers.


She was the first woman to get elected in Science Council of Japan (1980). Among many awards, she was the first woman get the Miyake Prize for geochemistry in 1985.

In her career spanning 35 years, she has inspired many young and female scientists. In order to inspire and encourage the women to study natural science, she established the Saruhashi Prize in 1981.

One of her famous quotes read: "There are many women who have the ability to become great scientists. I would like to see the day when women can contribute to science & technology on an equal footing with men".

On its blog, Google shared, "today on her 98th birthday, we pay tribute to Dr Katsuko Saruhashi for her incredible contributions to science, and for inspiring young scientists everywhere to succeed. A young Katsuko Saruhashi sat in primary school watching raindrops slide down a window and wondered what made it rain. Her journey for answers led her to become the first woman to earn a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Tokyo in 1957."

The scientist passed away in 2007, on September 29 of pneumonia at the age of 87 at her Tokyo home.