Maria Curie-Skłodowska was a Polish and French physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She developed the theory of radioactivity, techniques for isolating radioactive isotopes, and discovered the elements radium and polonium. For her scientific achievements and Nobel Prizes, she received many honors including the French Legion of Honor. Maria Curie-Skłodowska has been commemorated in Poland and other countries for her groundbreaking contributions to science.