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Good morning. Today is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Marie Curie – the first woman to win a Nobel Prize; the first person and only woman to win a second, and still the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two different sciences.

She was born Marie Sklodowska in 1867, in Warsaw, then part of the Russian Empire. As the Russians only allowed men to enroll in higher education, she studied in an underground university. In 1891 she moved to Paris, where she met Pierre Curie, who became her husband and scientific partner.

Together they investigated radioactivity, discovering two new elements – which they named polonium and radium. In 1903 they were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics.

Actually, Marie’s name was originally omitted from the Prize – but Pierre insisted it be added. Even then, her acceptance by the scientific community was often reluctant.

Tragically, in 1906 Pierre died in a traffic accident. Marie took over his teaching post, becoming the first woman professor at the Sorbonne. She received the Nobel Prize, in Chemistry, in 1911.

Her research contributed to the development of medical x-rays, and during the First World War she drove ambulances fitted with x-ray equipment; and trained medics in its use.

She died in 1934 from leukaemia, caused by exposure to radiation – and yet today, her research and its medical application still contribute to the health care of countless millions. Alongside her accomplishments, for me it is also her willingness to share her gifts for the lasting benefit of others, that makes the life of Marie Curie so worthy of commemoration.

Lord, when we are on the right track, help us to persevere in the face of obstacles, and use our gains for wider good. Amen