Marie Curie's Milestones

Marie Curie was a pioneering Polish-French scientist, the first person to win two Nobel Prizes, whose discoveries in radioactivity advanced medical research and transformed modern science.
1867

Birth

Marie Curie was born Maria Sklodowska in Warsaw, Poland, to Władysław and Bronisława Sklodowski.

Family November 7, 1867
1874

Early education

Attended local schools in Warsaw, excelling academically.

Education September 1, 1874 - June 30, 1883
1884

Underground 'Flying University'

Attended the clandestine 'Flying University' in Warsaw due to restrictions on women.

Education October 1, 1884 - June 30, 1891
1891

Moved to Paris

Moved to Paris to study physics and mathematics at the Sorbonne.

Location November 1, 1891
1893

Earned degrees at Sorbonne

Earned degrees in physics and mathematics from the University of Paris (Sorbonne).

Education July 1, 1893 - July 1, 1894
1895

Marriage to Pierre Curie

Married Pierre Curie, a fellow scientist and collaborator.

Relationship July 26, 1895
1898

Discovery of polonium and radium

Discovered the elements polonium and radium with Pierre Curie.

Achievement July 1, 1898
1903

Nobel Prize in Physics

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics with Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel for research on radioactivity.

Achievement December 10, 1903
1906

First female professor at Sorbonne

Became the first female professor at the University of Paris after Pierre Curie's death.

Achievement May 13, 1906
1911

Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her discovery of radium and polonium.

Achievement December 10, 1911
1914

Founded Radium Institute

Founded the Radium Institute (now Curie Institute) in Paris, advancing cancer research.

Achievement January 1, 1914

Mobile X-ray units in WWI

Developed and operated mobile X-ray units for battlefield medical care during World War I.

Achievement August 1, 1914 - November 11, 1918
1934

Death

Marie Curie died in Passy, France, from aplastic anemia caused by radiation exposure.

Other July 4, 1934