Who was a Polish-born chemist and physicist known for her work on radioactivity?

Marie Curie is renowned for her pioneering research on radioactivity, a term she coined. Born in Poland, she moved to France where she conducted pivotal experiments that led to the discovery of two groundbreaking radioactive elements: polonium and radium. Her work not only laid the foundation for the field of atomic physics but also advanced medical applications of radioactive isotopes in cancer treatment.

Marie Curie's significant contributions earned her two Nobel Prizes: one in Physics (1903, shared with her husband Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel) and another in Chemistry (1911) for her isolation of radium. Her ability to conduct rigorous scientific research in an era when women faced substantial barriers in science exemplifies her extraordinary talent and determination.

The other individuals listed have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields—Rosalind Franklin in DNA structure, Jane Goodall in primatology and conservation, and Barbara McClintock in genetics—but none are directly associated with the study of radioactivity as Curie is. This distinction firmly establishes Curie as the correct answer in this context.