Maria Sklodowska was born into a family of teachers in Russian-occupied Poland. She would become the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences.

Her mother died of tuberculosis after years of illness. This loss and the death of her sister Zofia deeply affected her childhood.

Graduated from gymnasium with a gold medal. As a woman, she could not attend university in Poland and had to wait years before continuing her education.

Finally able to study at the Sorbonne in Paris. She lived in poverty but excelled academically, earning degrees in physics and mathematics.

Met Pierre Curie, a physicist studying magnetism. They shared a passion for science, and their partnership would prove revolutionary.

Married Pierre Curie in a simple civil ceremony. They spent their honeymoon on a bicycle tour and began their scientific partnership.

Gave birth to her first daughter Irene, who would also become a Nobel Prize-winning scientist. She balanced motherhood with intensive research.

Discovered two new radioactive elements: polonium (named for her homeland) and radium. She coined the term 'radioactivity' to describe the phenomenon.

Won the Nobel Prize in Physics jointly with Pierre and Henri Becquerel for research on radioactivity. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.

Pierre was killed instantly when struck by a horse-drawn wagon. She took over his professorship, becoming the first female professor at the Sorbonne.

Won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for isolating pure radium and determining its atomic weight. She remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two sciences.

During World War I, developed mobile X-ray units called 'petites Curies' to help locate bullets in wounded soldiers. She drove these vehicles herself.

Toured the United States to raise funds for radium research. President Harding presented her with a gram of radium purchased through public donations.

Died from aplastic anemia caused by years of radiation exposure. Her notebooks remain radioactive and are stored in lead-lined boxes. She opened doors for women in science worldwide.