Marie Curie

Marie Curie was a pioneer in the field of radioactivity, a term she coined. Her relentless research, conducted under difficult conditions, led to the discovery of two new elements: polonium (named for her homeland) and radium. This work revolutionized physics and chemistry, demonstrating that atoms were not indivisible. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win two Nobels, and remains the only person to win in two different scientific fields (Physics, 1903; Chemistry, 1911). Her development of mobile X-ray units during WWI saved countless lives. Her research laid the groundwork for nuclear physics, cancer radiotherapy, and numerous applications of radioactive materials in medicine and industry. Her legacy is one of extraordinary scientific achievement, tenacity, and breaking gender barriers in science.