Marie Curie

Who is Marie Curie?

Marie was born Maria Sklodowska in Warsaw, Poland on November 7th, 1867 and she died on July 4th, 1934.

A scientist who had a major impact on the field of science, Marie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and she was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes. In 1903, Marie Curie won notoriety when she shared the Noble Prize in Physics with her husband and she made history for the second time when she won her second Noble Prize in the field of Chemistry in 1911. The Curie family also holds the record for the most Nobel Prizes in one family at four (4).

Her Early Life, Education, and Noble Prizes

Marie Curie was the youngest of five children born to a teacher and a scientist. She was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1867. Her father encouraged her to pursue higher education and her mother supported her decision, so her family moved to Paris when she was 14 years old so that she could study at one of the most prestigious universities in Europe at that time – the Sorbonne University. She studied physics and mathematics as an undergraduate student and then went on to study for her doctorate degree in physics. Marie received her PhD in 1893 and started teaching at the University of Paris in 1896.

In 1903, Marie Curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize after she discovered that radiation could be used for medical purposes. In 1911, she won a second Nobel Prize for Chemistry for discovering two new elements: polonium and radium.

Her Contributions to Science

Marie Curies’ contributions to science are not limited to a single discovery. She was a pioneer in the field of radioactivity, and her work led to the development of radiology and nuclear energy.

Marie Curie is one of the most famous scientists in history. She is best known for her work with radioactivity and research on the effects of radiation on living tissue. She helped develop X-ray machines during World War I which saved many lives.

Her Legacy

Marie Curies’ legacy still lives on today as an inspiration for women in STEAM.

Learn more about Marie Curié from the Nobel Foundation

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