The next Einstein

There is several directions to go in at the moment.
They could resolve the R evolution issue in Quantum Mechanics(the measurement paradox).
Or how General Relativity's block time approach to causality can be reconciled with QM's more conventional one.
As well as several other conceptual questions raised by putting Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity together.There are also Witten type geniuses. This kind may solve problems like giving Quantum Field Theory a rigorous mathematical foundation, or solving the Navier-Stokes equation.

She was pure genius. Whatever Einstein was, she was one too. Also unfortunatly the larger impediments lead to the reluctance, which in turn feeds those impediments.
A circular curse.I've seen intelligent women build up a "ditsy" faade to deal with the social faux pas of being an intelligent woman. This faade then makes it hard for them to be taken seriously in academia.(Disclaimer: At least this is what I have seen in Ireland.)