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Caption: SWE - Proceedings of the First International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists
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The conversion of Solar Energy into electrical energy is the most challenging problem, which catapulated this rather neglected field into stratospheric importance. Solar cells are used to power the transmitters of practically all satellites and without solar power they could not communicate. Solar energy research projects for space application have also skyrocketed. At the present time work is in progress to design solar operated electric power stations to be built on the moon. Less than ten years ago when I left M.I.T., solar energy conversion into electrical power was considered "too far out" and of little practical future importance. The sudden eruption of solar energy research for use in space has not been paralleled by a similar progress for the "peaceful uses of solar energy" on earth, at least not as yet. The key-word of our Conference is FOCUS ON THE FUTURE, centering to some extent on the great "Untapped Potential", the brainpower of women in the scientific and engineering fields. We, assembled here, may be regarded as the already "tapped" potential. Would it be possible to appeal to you to turn with interest to our greatest "Untapped Energy Source", Solar Energy. After all, more than half of humanity lives in the Tropical Zone, with practically limitless energy directly over their heads, although very little else than their own muscular energy in their hands. The development of solar energy for these regions appears to be the most rapid and practical method to provide them with the basic necessities of energy. It is most appropriate that our untapped potential should develop the untapped energy source for the greatest benefit of the least developed group of humanity. Perhaps there will be some of you who will also "Reach for the Sun". VI-47
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