**Biography of Marie Curie (1867–1934)**

Marie Curie was one of the most famous scientists in history and a pioneer in the field of radioactivity. Her groundbreaking research transformed the understanding of physics and chemistry and paved the way for modern medical treatments such as radiation therapy for cancer. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to have won a Nobel Prize in two different scientific fields.Marie Curie was born on November 7, 1867, in Warsaw, then part of the Russian Empire. Her birth name was Maria Skłodowska. She came from a family that valued education and learning. Her father was a math and physics teacher, and her mother was a school headmistress. From a young age, Marie displayed great intelligence and curiosity.However, life was not easy for her. At that time, women were not allowed to attend university in Poland. Because of this ban, Marie studied secretly through an underground educational program called the "Flying University." Determined to continue her studies, she later moved to Paris in 1891 to study at the University of Paris (Sorbonne).At the Sorbonne, Marie studied physics and mathematics. She worked very hard, often lived in poor conditions, and ate very little. Despite these hardships, she topped her class in physics in 1893 and earned another degree in mathematics in 1894.In 1895, Marie married French physicist Pierre Curie. Their marriage became one of the most famous scientific partnerships in history. Both were deeply interested in scientific research and supported each other's work.

Marie was deeply influenced by a mysterious phenomenon discovered by Henri Becquerel, in which unseen rays were emitted from uranium. They began studying these rays and eventually coined the term radioactivity to describe this process.Marie and Pierre conducted experiments together to understand these radioactive substances. Their research led to the discovery of two new chemical elements: polonium in 1898, named after Marie's country, Poland, and radium later that year.In 1903, Marie Curie, Pierre Curie, and Henri Becquerel were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their research on radiation. Marie Curie became the first woman in history to win a Nobel Prize.Initially, the Nobel Committee planned to recognize only Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel. However, Pierre insisted that Marie's contribution was important, and she was included in the award. This moment was an important step for women in science.In 1906, Pierre Curie died in a streetcar accident in Paris, a tragic event. Despite this great personal loss, Marie continued her research and took over Pierre's teaching position at the Sorbonne, becoming the university's first female professor.Marie Curie's dedication to science continued to yield impressive results. In 1911, she received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of polonium and radium and for successfully isolating radium in its pure form.This achievement made her the first person to win two Nobel Prizes and is one of the greatest achievements in scientific history.

Her work on radium helped scientists understand atomic structure and radioactivity. It also laid the foundation for new medical treatments using radiation.During World War I, Marie Curie used her scientific knowledge to help wounded soldiers. She developed mobile X-ray units, which were small radiology carts used near battlefields. These carts were often called "Little Curies."Marie personally trained technicians and nurses to operate the machines. These X-ray units helped doctors find bullets and shrapnel inside wounded soldiers, saving thousands of lives. ### Later Life and Death.After the war, Marie Curie continued her research and became director of the Radium Institute in Paris. She also traveled internationally to raise funds for scientific research.However, years of working with radioactive materials without proper protection severely affected her health. At the time, scientists did not fully understand the dangers of radiation exposure.Marie Curie died on July 4, 1934, from aplastic anemia, a disease caused by long-term radiation exposure.Marie Curie's legacy is profound. Her discoveries changed the course of science and medicine. Her research led to advances in nuclear physics, cancer treatment, and medical imaging.She also broke down barriers for women in science. At a time when women were rarely accepted in scientific fields, Marie Curie proved that determination and intelligence could overcome social barriers.Today, numerous institutions, labs, and universities around the world are named in her honor.