Marie Curie launched the science of radioactivity. She is best known as the discoverer of the radioactive elements polonium and radium.

(Photo from the American Institute of Physics website: www.aip.org)

Marie Curie was also the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person ever to win two.

Radium was key to a basic change in our understanding of matter and energy. Her work also led a new era of medical research and treatment.