Who are the best scientists and engineers who became politicians?

A handful of analytical minds have crossed from laboratories and engineering blueprints into the messy arena of governance — sometimes reshaping history in the process. Where do you stand?

Angela Merkel

German quantum chemist who served as Chancellor of Germany for 16 years, becoming one of the most powerful leaders in modern history.

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Margaret Thatcher

Trained research chemist who became the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 1979 to 1990.

2/12

Jimmy Carter

Nuclear engineer and U.S. Navy officer who became the 39th President of the United States and later won the Nobel Peace Prize.

3/12

Herbert Hoover

Stanford-educated mining engineer who became the 31st President of the United States after organizing post-WWI humanitarian relief.

4/12

Claudia Sheinbaum

Environmental engineer and climate scientist who became the first female President of Mexico in 2024.

5/12

Benjamin Franklin

Pioneering scientist and inventor of the lightning rod who was a Founding Father of the United States and key diplomat to France.

6/12

François Arago

French astronomer and physicist who served in the French National Assembly and briefly headed the French government in 1848.

7/12

Rajiv Gandhi

Trained pilot and technology advocate who became Prime Minister of India and spearheaded the country's computerization drive.

8/12

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Development economist and World Bank veteran who served twice as Finance Minister of Nigeria and became WTO Director-General.

9/12

Al Gore

Former U.S. Vice President who championed climate science and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental advocacy work.

10/12

Wernher von Braun

Rocket engineer who developed the V-2 rocket and later led NASA's Saturn V program, navigating the politics of two nations.

11/12

Václav Klaus

Economist and politician who served as the second President of the Czech Republic from 2003 to 2013.

12/12