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?

1. 1
   Angela Merkel

   German quantum chemist who served as Chancellor of Germany for 16 years, becoming one of the most powerful leaders in modern history.
2. 2
   Margaret Thatcher

   Trained research chemist who became the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 1979 to 1990.
3. 3
   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.
4. 4
   Herbert Hoover

   Stanford-educated mining engineer who became the 31st President of the United States after organizing post-WWI humanitarian relief.
5. 5
   Claudia Sheinbaum

   Environmental engineer and climate scientist who became the first female President of Mexico in 2024.
6. 6
   Benjamin Franklin

   Pioneering scientist and inventor of the lightning rod who was a Founding Father of the United States and key diplomat to France.
7. 7
   François Arago

   French astronomer and physicist who served in the French National Assembly and briefly headed the French government in 1848.
8. 8
   Rajiv Gandhi

   Trained pilot and technology advocate who became Prime Minister of India and spearheaded the country's computerization drive.
9. 9
   Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

   Development economist and World Bank veteran who served twice as Finance Minister of Nigeria and became WTO Director-General.
10. 10
    Al Gore

    Former U.S. Vice President who championed climate science and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental advocacy work.
11. 11
    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.
12. 12
    Václav Klaus

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