«We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves.»
Marie Curie, the trailblazing scientist who won not one, but two Nobel Prizes, dedicated her life to unraveling the mysteries of radiation—a pursuit that ultimately claimed her life.
Born in 1867 in Warsaw, a time and place where higher education for women was a distant dream, Marie’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Through sheer determination and by attending a clandestine university, she defied the odds and graduated top of her class in physics from the Sorbonne.
Her story is a testament to unwavering dedication and selfless commitment to science. It vividly illustrates how passion and hard work can turn the impossible into reality.
Did you know…?
Marie and her sister attended to university in Warsaw, an underground institution that welcomed female students.
She later graduated in Physics from the Sorbonne (Paris), ranking first in her class.
Marie had two daughters, one of whom, Irène Joliot-Curie, also won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1935.
In 1898, alongside her husband Pierre, she discovered two new elements, naming one «Polonium» in honor of her homeland.
Marie Curie didn’t just win one Nobel Prize; she won two—one in Physics and another in Chemistry. Only five individuals worldwide have achieved this feat.
Radiation accompanied Marie Curie to her grave. In 1995, it was discovered that her coffin was lined with 2.5 mm of lead.
Scientists wishing to study Madame Curie’s original notes must wear protective clothing and sign a liability waiver, acknowledging the risks of exposure to radioactive materials.
Learn with Marie Curie
Passion For Science
Marie will share her deep love for science, igniting curiosity about the world around us.
The Discovery of Radiation
Uncover the step-by-step journey of how radiation was discovered and gain a profound understanding of the concept.
Fundamental Science and Innovation
Madame Curie’s research underscores the vital role of basic science in driving innovation.
Want to Know More?
Would you like to have a face-to-face conversation with Marie Curie?
Interested in bringing this iconic character to your school or museum?
Curious about the details of Marie Curie’s interactive activity?
