The Most Famous Black Scientist Alive Today, Ranked

Choose the black scientist alive you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 07:03
In an age where science and technology drive progress, the contributions of many brilliant minds go unrecognized, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Highlighting the most eminent black scientists active today not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires future generations. By understanding who these pioneers are and the work they are doing, we can better appreciate the vast spectrum of innovation and knowledge they bring to the world of science. This dynamic ranking depends entirely on your input. Every vote helps to amplify the voices and contributions of these outstanding individuals, ensuring that a broader audience recognizes their work and impact. By participating, you help create a more inclusive and accurate representation of leadership in the scientific community, empowering aspiring scientists everywhere.

Who Is the Most Famous Black Scientist Alive Today?

  1. 1
    92
    votes
    He is a celebrated astrophysicist, science communicator, and author known for his popular science books and TV shows, including the reboot of Carl Sagan's Cosmos series. He has won numerous awards for his contributions to science education and outreach.
    The Joe Rogan Experience podcast episode featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson.
    • Guest: Neil deGrasse Tyson
    • Episode Number: 1159
    • Release Date: March 7, 2019
    • Duration: 3 hours and 8 minutes
    • Topics Discussed: Science, astrophysics, space exploration, philosophy
    Neil deGrasse Tyson in other rankings
  2. 2
    41
    votes
    Mae Jemison
    NASA · Public domain

    Mae Jemison

    Mae Jemison
    She is a retired astronaut, physician, and engineer who became the first African American woman to travel to space. Jemison has also been an advocate for science education and technology innovation, founding the Jemison Group and the 100 Year Starship project.
    Mae Jemison is an astronaut, physician, and engineer who became the first African American woman to travel into space. She is widely recognized for her contributions in promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and for breaking barriers as a woman of color in the field of space exploration.
    • First African American Woman in Space: Yes
    • Profession: Astronaut, Physician, Engineer
    • Promoter of STEM education: Yes
    • Gender: Female
    • Race/Ethnicity: African American
    Mae Jemison in other rankings
  3. 3
    30
    votes
    Freeman Hrabowski
    David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0
    He is a mathematician and higher education leader who has served as the president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County since 1992. Hrabowski is known for his work on improving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and promoting diversity in the STEM fields.
  4. 4
    12
    votes
    She is a physicist and the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, making her the first African American woman to lead a top-ranked research university. Jackson has made significant contributions to the study of condensed matter physics, including the development of the theory of "charged density waves."
    Shirley Ann Jackson in other rankings
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    Sylvester James Gates Jr.
    Markus Pössel (Mapos) · CC BY-SA 3.0
    He is a theoretical physicist known for his work on supersymmetry, string theory, and the Adinkra symbols used in West African culture. Gates has received numerous honors for his contributions to science, including the National Medal of Science in 2013.
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    John Dabiri
    The White House · Public domain
    He is a bioengineer and fluid dynamicist who studies the movement of organisms and fluids in natural systems. Dabiri has made significant contributions to the design of underwater vehicles, wind turbines, and other technologies inspired by nature. He is currently a professor at the California Institute of Technology.
  7. 7
    4
    votes
    She is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist who specializes in black holes, dark matter, and the early universe. Prescod-Weinstein is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in science and has written extensively on issues of race and gender in academia. She is currently an assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire.
  8. 8
    11
    votes
    Hakeem Oluseyi
    Slowking4 · GFDL 1.2
    He is an astrophysicist, science communicator, and inventor who has worked on NASA missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Parker Solar Probe. Oluseyi is also an advocate for science education and has appeared on TV shows such as Discovery Channel's Outrageous Acts of Science. He is currently a professor at Florida Institute of Technology.
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    She is a marine biologist and policy expert who studies the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems. Johnson is also an advocate for environmental justice and has worked on numerous conservation initiatives, including the creation of the Blue Halo Initiative in the Caribbean. She is currently the founder and CEO of Ocean Collectiv.
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    She is an astrophysicist and science communicator who studies blazars, the brightest objects in the universe. Isler is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in science and has given TED talks on the subject. She is currently an assistant professor at Dartmouth College.

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Ranking factors for famous black scientist alive

  1. Their contributions to scientific research and discovery
    This includes the impact and relevance of their work, as well as any breakthroughs they may have made.
  2. Professional recognition and awards
    The number and prestige of awards they have received for their work can be an indication of their impact and contribution to the field.
  3. Relevance and impact on society
    The extent to which their work has practical applications and benefits to society as a whole, especially in terms of addressing major social and environmental issues.
  4. Communication and public engagement
    The ability and willingness to communicate complex scientific concepts to the wider public, engage with the media and other audiences, and promote science literacy and public understanding of science.
  5. Mentoring and contribution to the next generation of scientists
    The extent to which they have mentored and inspired the next generation of scientists, especially women and underrepresented minorities.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous black scientist alive today. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or black scientist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3011 views
  • 220 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each black scientist once every 24 hours. The rank of each black scientist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous black scientist alive today

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the contributions made by black scientists to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Despite facing significant obstacles, including systemic racism and discrimination, many black scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries and achieved notable success in their fields. Today, there are a number of highly accomplished black scientists working in various areas of research, from medicine to astrophysics. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, and have become role models and inspirations for people around the world. This article will explore some of the most famous black scientists alive today, highlighting their achievements and contributions to science and society. From groundbreaking research in genetics to groundbreaking work in space exploration, these individuals are paving the way for future generations of scientists and innovators.

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