Dava Sobel: For Future Reference Lecture

Marie Curie was a revolutionary of science in her lifetime, discovering polonium and radium and winning two Nobel Prizes. But did you know she mentored scores of young women who went on to have just as inspirational lives?

New York Times bestselling author Dava Sobel has dedicated her career to unearthing stories of scientific discovery – demystifying technical language and bringing women who were previously background characters to the forefront.

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, Dava presents the Library's 2025 For Future Reference lecture, endowed by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, to reflect on some of Marie Curie’s and her contemporaries lesser-known contributions to science.

There will be an opportunity to view rare books acquired through the Library’s Women Writers Fund initiative prior to the event.

Copies of Dava’s books will be available to purchase from Readings booksellers at the event.