Cécile Vogt-Mugnier (1875–1962): Pioneering Neuroscience and Feminism on Her Sesquicentennial Birth Anniversary

Resumo

This article marks the 150th birth anniversary of Cécile Vogt-Mugnier (1875–1962), a pioneering neuroscientist whose groundbreaking research significantly advanced our understanding of brain structure and function. Her work in cerebral cortex mapping, the mind-body debate, and brain-targeted medical interventions laid the foundation for modern neuroanatomy and neuropsychiatry. Vogt-Mugnier’s studies on thalamic myeloarchitecture, corpus striatum pathology, and cortical cytoarchitecture, along with her co-development of the “pathoclisis” theory linking molecular genetics to neuroanatomy, were instrumental in shaping the field. Her exploration of cytoarchitecture and electrical stimulation was pivotal in the development of functional brain mapping.

In addition to her scientific achievements, Vogt-Mugnier was a strong advocate for gender equity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), seamlessly integrating feminist principles into her research. Her humanistic ideals, alongside her commitment to advancing women in science, played a crucial role in shaping her enduring legacy. Despite facing gender biases and enduring the "Matilda Effect," which led to the underappreciation of her contributions, her collaboration with Oskar Vogt remains a cornerstone of neuroscience, with a lasting influence on the field.