Marie Curie is not only the undisputed leader of this list but also the only woman in scientific history to win Nobel Prizes in two distinct scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). To put this in perspective, even though female participation in science has surged by nearly 400% over the last century, Curie’s achievements remain a monumental peak. Notably, as of 2026, her original research notebooks remain so radioactive—due to Radium-226's 1,600-year half-life—that they must be stored in lead-lined boxes and handled only with protective gear. She literally embodies a permanent, physical legacy of the ultimate scientific devotion.