Marie Curie's groundbreaking work in science, particularly on radioactivity, fundamentally altered the field for women and men alike. As the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only individual to win in two different sciences, Curie’s research opened doors for future female scientists. Her struggle for recognition in a male-dominated field and her collaborations with peers like Henri Becquerel paved the way for advancements in nuclear physics and medicine. Curie's dedication to science demonstrated that women could excel in complex and challenging environments, inspiring generations of women to pursue careers in STEM.