Marilyn Umurungi

Marilyn Umurungi

Marilyn Umurungi is an art and cultural researcher as well as co-curator of the ‘Wars and us’ exhibition at the National Museum Zurich.

Gertrud Woker: trailblazing scientist, pacifist and forgotten heroine

Marilyn Umurungi 18.06.2026 Bernese chemist Gertrud Woker was one of the first women in Europe to research the deadly effect of poison gases. She campaigned throughout her life to prevent the results of her research being used on the battlefield. An object of admiration and derision, Gertrud Woker was ahead of her time.
Gertrud Woker in her biochemical laboratory at the University of Bern.