Date context
1867–1934
From Warsaw to Paris
Born Maria Skłodowska in Warsaw, Curie moved to Paris in 1891 to study physics and mathematics. Working with Pierre Curie, she used quantitative measurements to investigate radiation and its relation to the properties of the substances producing it.
Polonium and radium
Research in 1898 identified the new elements polonium and radium. Recognizing their presence through radioactivity and chemical separation preceded obtaining purer material. Processing large quantities of mineral and repeating separations formed part of an extended experimental programme.
Two prizes with different scopes
The 1903 physics prize was shared by Becquerel and the Curies for work on radiation. The 1911 chemistry prize recognized Marie Curie’s work on polonium, radium, its isolation and properties. These awards concern related but distinct stages and subjects of investigation.
Research, teaching and medical service
After Pierre’s death in 1906, Curie continued teaching and directing research. She helped develop the Radium Institute in Paris and promoted X-ray services during the First World War. Her career, ending with her death in 1934, combined measurement, laboratory organization and medical applications.