Marie Curie is a name that needs no introduction! A French physicist born in Poland, Marie Curie is well known for her pioneering work in radioactivity. She was awarded a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 and another in Chemistry in 1911. She was the first woman to win a Nobel prize and the only woman to have won it in two different fields of science.
Marie Curie’s work led to tremendous advances in modern medicine – the use of radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and specifically in treatments for cancer. Over the years, radiation therapy has saved the lives of millions of people with cancer.
During her time, nobody knew that exposure to uncontrolled radiation can be harmful. Paradoxically, Marie Curie died of aplastic anemia, brought on by exposure to large amounts of radiation.
Marie Curie will always be fondly remembered for her significant contributions that continue to help cancer patients today.