Biographies
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Marie Curie. Fuente de la imagen: La Vanguardia.
Who was Marie Curie?
Marie Curie (1867–1934) was one of the most influential scientists in history. Born in Warsaw as Maria Skłodowska, she pursued her education in Paris and became a pioneer in the study of radioactivity, a concept she herself coined that transformed modern science.
She was the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize and the only person to receive two in different fields: Physics and Chemistry. Her discoveries expanded our understanding of the atom while opening the door to applications that remain current in medicine and energy generation today.
More than a century later, her legacy lives on in cancer radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging techniques, and nuclear power as a CO₂-free electricity source. At the same time, her life stands as a testament to overcoming gender barriers and the power of perseverance in scientific research.
Marie Curie’s key achievements
- Discovery of the elements polonium and radium.
- Coined the concept of radioactivity.
- Historical role model for science and gender equality in research.
We tell you everything about Marie Curie—stick around to discover more!
Marie Curie, the scientist who changed history
Born in Poland under the Russian Empire, Marie Curie grew up in an environment where education for women was limited. Despite this, her intellectual brilliance shone through and in Paris she found the academic setting she needed to flourish.
At the Sorbonne, where she earned degrees in Physics and Mathematics, she met Pierre Curie, with whom she formed a scientific and life partnership that would go down in history.
Her journey was remarkable not only for her discoveries but also for breaking down the barriers that science imposed on women. She was a researcher, professor, and global role model in a context where her presence in the scientific community was exceptional.
A pioneer who threw light on the invisible
At the end of the 19th century, the energy contained in the atom’s nucleus was unknown. While other physicists focused on X-rays, Curie turned her attention to an even more mysterious phenomenon: the spontaneous emissions from certain minerals. It was then that she coined the term radioactivity, proving that matter was not stable but dynamic and capable of releasing energy.
This discovery reshaped humanity’s understanding of the universe. What was once invisible became a new field of study that opened the door to new branches of research.
The discovery of radioactivity
Marie and Pierre Curie’s work culminated in 1898 with the identification of two previously unknown elements: polonium and radium. Obtaining small amounts of these substances required years of effort, tonnes of processed minerals, and remarkable perseverance despite the rudimentary conditions in their laboratory.
Radium revealed astonishing properties: it emitted energy continuously and without external intervention. This observation confirmed that radioactivity was a natural characteristic of certain materials, a revolutionary concept for science at the time.
The scientific legacy that changed the course of energy
Curie’s studies transformed physics and chemistry, but they also had a direct impact on everyday life. Her research enabled other scientists to understand how to release and harness the energy contained in atoms, paving the way for the development of nuclear energy decades later.
Her work in the field of radioactivity research was crucial for the development of nuclear physics and medicine.
From science to society
Nuclear energy is one of the best examples of how science can improve our lives. What began as a discovery to understand how matter works has now resulted in advances that drive energy, medicine, and technology.
In the energy sector, nuclear power is one of the main sources of electricity, and many countries consider it a key tool in the fight against climate change.
But its impact goes far beyond industry: radioactivity is also applied in medicine, from radiotherapy for treating various types of cancer to the use of radioactive isotopes that enable increasingly precise diagnoses.
Curie’s research continues to impact the health and well-being of millions of people.
Marie Curie’s inspiration in the present and the future
More than a century later, Marie Curie’s example remains alive. Her ability to break barriers, take risks, and seek answers in the unknown continues to inspire researchers, doctors, and engineers in a world that needs sustainable solutions.
The transition toward cleaner energy finds a key ally in nuclear power. Likewise, medical research keeps exploring new applications of radioactivity.
Her legacy is also cultural and social: she proved that science knows no gender or borders.
Q&A
She was a Polish-born scientist who became a French citizen, a pioneer in the study of radioactivity, and the first woman ever to receive a Nobel Prize.
She identified two new elements, polonium and radium, and proved that radioactivity is a natural property.
Because her research transformed modern science and laid the foundations of radiological medicine.
Two: Physics (1903) and Chemistry (1911).
Her work lives on in cancer therapies, advanced medical diagnostics, and clean energy generation through nuclear fission.
