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Marie Curie was born in Warsaw, Poland.
Born Maria Skłodowska in Warsaw, Poland. Showed a great interest in science and learning from a young age. -
Moved to Paris, France, to study at the Sorbonne University.
Moved to Paris, France, to study at the Sorbonne University. Studied physics and mathematics, despite facing challenges as a woman in science. -
Married Pierre Curie, a scientist.
Married Pierre Curie, a fellow scientist. Together, they researched radioactivity, a term Marie herself coined. -
Discovered two new elements: polonium and radium with Pierre.
Marie and Pierre discovered two new elements, Polonium (named after Poland) and Radium. -
First Nobel Prize in Physics
Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics (shared with Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel). First woman to ever win a Nobel Prize. -
Tragic Loss and Continued Work (1906)
Pierre Curie tragically died in an accident. Marie continued their research and became the first woman professor at Sorbonne University. -
Second Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Won her second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry, for her work with radium and polonium. The only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. -
World War I and Medical Contributions
Developed mobile X-ray units for soldiers in World War I. Helped save countless lives by making X-rays accessible on battlefields. -
Later Years and Death
Passed away from aplastic anemia, likely caused by prolonged exposure to radiation. Her research paved the way for modern cancer treatments and nuclear energy.