Irène Joliot-Curie
She, along with her husband Frédéric Joliot-Curie, discovered artificial radioactivity.
Most quoted
"We must not forget that when radium was discovered no one knew that it would prove useful in hospitals. The work was one of pure science. And this is a proof that scientific work must not be considered from the point of view of the direct usefulness of it. It must be done for itself, for the beauty of science, and then there is always the chance that a scientific discovery may become like the radium a benefit for humanity."
— from Biography
"We must not forget that when radium was discovered no one knew that it would prove useful in hospitals. The work was one of pure science. And this is a proof that scientific work must not be considered from the point of view of the direct usefulness of it. It must be done for itself, for the beauty of science, and then there is always the chance that a scientific discovery may become like radium, a benefit for humanity."
— from Nobel Lecture, 'Artificial Production of Radioactive Elements', 1935
"Humanity needs practical men, who get the most out of their work, and, without forgetting the general good, safeguard their own interests. But humanity also needs dreamers, for whom the disinterested development of an enterprise is so captivating that it becomes impossible for them to devote their care to their own material profit."
— from Likely derived from Marie Curie
All quotes by Irène Joliot-Curie (405)
The atom is a vast and complex world, and we are only just beginning to explore its mysteries.
We must not be afraid to challenge established ideas and to explore new avenues of research.
The beauty of science lies in its ability to reveal the hidden order of the universe.
The work we have done is a continuation of the work of my parents, and I am proud to carry on their legacy.
The discovery of artificial radioactivity has shown us that we can create new elements, which was once thought to be impossible.
It is a great honor to receive this Nobel Prize, and I share it with my husband, Frédéric Joliot.
The most important thing in science is to have an open mind and to be willing to accept new ideas, even if they challenge our preconceived notions.
We have shown that it is possible to transform one element into another, which is a dream that alchemists pursued for centuries.
The applications of artificial radioactivity are vast and varied, and we are only just beginning to explore their full potential.
The pursuit of scientific truth is a never-ending journey, and it is one that brings great satisfaction.
We must encourage young people to pursue careers in science, for they are the future of scientific discovery.
The discovery of the neutron by Chadwick was a crucial step in our understanding of the atomic nucleus.
Our experiments have shown that when certain light elements are bombarded with alpha particles, they become radioactive.
The scientific method is a powerful tool for understanding the natural world, and it is one that should be applied to all aspects of life.
The work of a scientist requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to accept failure as a part of the learning process.
We have been able to produce radioactive isotopes of elements that do not exist in nature, which opens up new possibilities for research.
The study of radioactivity has revolutionized our understanding of matter and energy.
It is essential for scientists to communicate their findings to the public, so that everyone can benefit from scientific progress.
The pursuit of scientific knowledge is a fundamental human endeavor, and it is one that enriches our lives.
The discovery of artificial radioactivity has provided us with new tools for studying the structure of the atomic nucleus.
Contemporaries of Irène Joliot-Curie
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Irène Joliot-Curie (1897–1956).