Marie Curie became the first woman to hold a chair and teach at the Sorbonne on November 5, 1906.
On November 5, 1906, Marie Curie delivered her inaugural lecture at the Sorbonne, the prestigious University of Paris, marking her as the first woman to assume a professorship there. Following the tragic death of her husband Pierre Curie, Marie was appointed to his professorship. Her appointment was a pioneering moment in academia, significantly contributing to gender equality in higher education and inspiring future generations of female scientists. At a time when female academics were rare, her position at the Sorbonne illustrated the scientific community's acceptance of her groundbreaking work and changing perceptions of women's roles in academia.