Science historian to discuss Marie Curie April 8

In partnership with the History Book Festival, the Lewes Public Library’s Science and Society Lecture Series will host author Dava Sobel for an online presentation “At Madame Curie’s Lab,” at 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, via Zoom.

Sobel’s new book “The Elements of Marie Curie” describes how, following her husband’s death and against all odds, the Nobel Prize-winner took over the lab where the two had worked together and assumed his teaching position, making her the first woman ever to lecture at the Sorbonne. In her unique role as laboratory director and professor, Curie became an inspiration to scores of other women who aspired to a life in science. Men, too, came from as far away as India, China and Japan to work at the world-famous Radium Institute that she created in Paris.

“In these times when efforts to encourage more women and minorities to follow careers in science are being erased, Science and Society is proud to host a talk about one of the greatest scientists of the 20th Century, Marie Curie,” said Fred Dylla, who co-organizes the series with Linda Dylla and Colin Norman. “Dava Sobel, who has done extensive research on the Curie family, is uniquely qualified to tell the story of Marie Curie’s scientific accomplishments, and how she paved the way for many young women to pursue science.”

“Dava Sobel is one of the leading science historians—a gifted writer and speaker, and we are so looking forward to her presentation,” said Jen Mason, History Book Festival co-founder and chair. "We are delighted to help spread the word about this fantastic event from our friends at Science and Society.” 

To register for the online event, go to tinyurl.com/LPLScienceSpring25 or call the library at 302-645-2733.