Physics and chemistry · Poland and France · 1867–1934
Marie Curie Life & Career Timeline
Radioactivity, two Nobel Prizes and new connections between physics and medicine.
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18671877188718971907191719271934
MCMarie CuriePhysics and chemistry · Poland and France
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About this timeline
About Marie Curie
Marie Skłodowska Curie discovered polonium and radium, transformed radioactivity research and pioneered wartime medical radiology.
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Marie Curie biography
Marie Curie timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Warsaw
Maria Skłodowska was born into a Polish family of teachers.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgFinishes secondary school
She graduated with a gold medal but universities in Russian-ruled Poland excluded women.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgFlying University studies
Curie joined clandestine courses that offered higher education in Polish.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgMoves to Paris
She enrolled at the Sorbonne and adopted the French form Marie.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgFirst in physics degree
Curie ranked first in her licence in physical sciences.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgMeets Pierre Curie
A shared scientific partnership began through laboratory work.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgMarries Pierre Curie
Marie and Pierre formed an unusually close personal and research partnership.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgIrène Curie is born
Their elder daughter later became a Nobel-winning chemist.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgPolonium announced
The Curies reported evidence for a new element named for Poland.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgRadium announced
Further analysis of pitchblende revealed another highly radioactive element.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgDoctorate in physical science
Her thesis systematically established the science of radioactive substances.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgNobel Prize in Physics
Curie shared the prize with Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel, becoming the first female laureate.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgFirst woman to teach at the Sorbonne
After Pierre’s death, Curie succeeded him and delivered her first lecture.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgNobel Prize in Chemistry
Recognition for radium and polonium made her the first person to win two Nobel Prizes.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgRadium Institute opens
The institute joined fundamental radioactivity research with medical application.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgMobile X-ray units
Curie organised radiological cars and trained operators to assist wounded soldiers.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgReceives one gram of radium
President Harding presented radium funded by American women for her Paris research.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgDies in Passy
Curie died from aplastic anaemia after a lifetime of radiation exposure.
Source: www.nobelprize.orgThis educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Marie Curie or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Licence shown on source file
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About the Marie Curie timeline
Who is Marie Curie?
Marie Skłodowska Curie discovered polonium and radium, transformed radioactivity research and pioneered wartime medical radiology.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1867–1934.
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This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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