We are pleased to welcome the research project “Numbers and Narratives: A Feminist Genealogy of Automathographies”led by Prof. Dr. Maria Tamboukou into our network. The project engages critically with the marginalization of women in the mathematical sciences and develops innovative perspectives on their biographical, philosophical, and literary self-testimonies. Prof. Tamboukou is already familiar to the readers of our network through her contribution on Sofia Kovalevskaya in the Journal of the History of Women Philosophers and Scientists. Her new project combines in-depth historical research with current questions of memory, visibility, and epistemic justice.

At the heart of Numbers and Narratives lies the concept of “automathography” – a form of autobiographical writing in which women’s mathematical selves come into focus. The project page highlights six remarkable women scholars: Émilie du Châtelet, Maria Gaetana Agnesi, Marie-Sophie Germain, Mary Fairfax Somerville, Ada Lovelace, and Sofia Kovalevskaya. In addition, the project draws new attention to Wang Zhenyi, an 18th-century Chinese mathematician and poet whose work remains largely unexplored. Through the lens of archival sensibility – inspired by Foucault’s discourse theory and more recent developments in archival studies – Tamboukou questions classical notions of archives and biography. The aim is not only to preserve the texts, letters, and memories of these women but to recognize them as active contributions to the cultural and intellectual history of modern Europe.

The project closely aligns with the Center’s work, especially in its research on Émilie du Châtelet, and underscores the relevance of autobiographical documents in the history of women philosophers. We are therefore especially delighted that Maria Tamboukou has officially joined our network as a Project Advisor.

More information about the project: Numbers and Narratives – A Feminist Genealogy of Automathographies