Katsuko Saruhashi | |
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| Born | March 22, 1920 Tokyo, Japan |
| Died | September 29, 2007 (aged 87) Tokyo, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Alma mater | Imperial Women's College of Science (predecessor of Toho University) University of Tokyo |
| Known for | Discovery of the dangers of radioactive fallout in seawater and the atmosphere |
| Awards | Avon Special Prize for Women (1981) Miyake Prize for Geochemistry (1985) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Geochemistry |
| Institutions | Meteorological Research Institute Japan Meteorological Agency |
Katsuko Saruhashi (猿橋 勝子, Saruhashi Katsuko, March 22, 1920 – September 29, 2007) was a Japanese geochemist who created tools that let her take some of the first measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in seawater. She later showed evidence of the dangers of radioactive fallout and how far it can travel. Along with this focus on safety, she also researched peaceful uses of nuclear power.
Her other major area of significance involved raising the number and status of women scientists, especially in Japan. She established both the Society of Japanese Women Scientists and the Saruhashi Prize, which is awarded annually to a female scientist who serves as a role model for younger women scientists.
Among her other honors, she was the first woman elected to the Science Council of Japan, to earn a doctorate in chemistry from the prestigious University of Tokyo, and to win the Miyake Prize for Geochemistry.