The first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize in Physics was Marie Curie in 1903. She, along with her husband Pierre Curie and physicist Henri Becquerel, was recognized for their joint research on radioactivity. Marie Curie's pioneering work not only contributed to the understanding of atomic structure but also paved the way for future research in nuclear physics, leading to many advancements in medicine and technology. Curie's achievements challenged gender barriers in science, inspiring future generations of women scientists.