Abstract: Irène Joliot-Curie was a great female radiochemist of the 20th century. She began working at her mother’s Radium Institute at the age of 21 and married Frédéric Joliot in 1926. They cooperated on nuclear research. Although they missed many major discoveries, they finally discovered artificial radioactivity, for which they won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1935. This discovery promoted the wide application of radioisotopes in medicine and other fields. In addition to her scientific research contributions, Irène also actively participated in social activities, calling for women’s rights and world peace. She helped establish the French National Research Center and was an outstanding feminist and social activist.

Key Words: Irène Joliot-Curie; Radioactive science; Female scientists