Student Article

Marie Curie was a scientist who defied the norms of her time. Born Maria Sklodowska in 1867 in Warsaw — then under Russian rule — she grew up in a family devoted to education, though they struggled financially. Her mother ran a boarding school but died of tuberculosis when Maria was just 11. Her father, a physics teacher and Polish patriot, encouraged her interest in science.

Life in Paris and the struggle to succeed

Determined to study, Maria made a deal with her sister: she would work as a governess to support her sister’s medical education in Paris, and in return, her sister would later help her do the same. Eventually, Maria moved to Paris herself, changing her name to Marie and studying at the Sorbonne. Life in Paris was difficult — she lived in a cold attic and barely scraped by — but her scientific talents were quickly recognized.

Her marriage to Pierre

While working in a laboratory, she met physicist Pierre Curie. They bonded over their shared passion for science and political ideals. Marie initially planned to return to Poland, where she was later rejected from university because of her gender. She stayed in Paris and married Pierre in 1895. They had two daughters, Irène and Ève, but Marie continued her research even as a mother.

Discovering the power of radioactivity

Marie became fascinated with recent discoveries in X-rays and radiation. She began investigating uranium and found that the element thorium also emitted mysterious rays. With Pierre’s help, she discovered two new elements — polonium, named after her homeland, and radium. These elements were far more radioactive than uranium and sparked global interest.

Marie Curie’s historic Nobel Prizes

In 1903, Marie, Pierre, and Henri Becquerel were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for their research on radioactivity. It was a landmark moment — Marie was the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize. Still, she faced constant challenges, including being overshadowed by her husband in the press and the scientific community.

Marie Curie’s lasting legacy

Tragedy struck in 1906 when Pierre died suddenly in a street accident. Marie was devastated but continued her work. In 1911, she won a second Nobel Prize— this time in chemistry — for discovering polonium and radium. She remains the only person ever to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields.

Despite her success, Curie endured public criticism, particularly after a rumored affair with a fellow scientist. Albert Einstein famously defended her in a letter, praising her integrity and intellect. Sadly, her prolonged exposure to radioactive materials — at a time when the dangers of radiation were unknown — led to health issues. She died in 1934 of aplastic anemia, likely caused by radiation.

Marie Curie’s legacy endures not only in science but also in the fight for women’s equality in academia. Her life is a testament to courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge, no matter the cost.

© Jheni Osman / www.historyextra.com