Her story

Marietta Blau was one of the few female scientists of her time to make major contributions to nuclear physics. Born in Vienna in 1894, she dedicated her life to studying atomic particles and cosmic rays, developing groundbreaking methods that paved the way for numerous discoveries.

Despite the obstacles linked to her gender and Jewish heritage, she persevered in her research and gained international recognition for her groundbreaking work in nuclear photography.

1894 – Birth : Marietta Blau was born on April 29, 1894, into a well-off Jewish family in Vienna. From an early age, she showed an insatiable curiosity for natural sciences and mathematics.

1914 – University Studies: At a time when women were rarely admitted to universities, Marietta enrolled at the University of Vienna. She studied physics and mathematics, defying the prejudices of her era.

1919 – Doctorate: She completed her doctorate in physics with her thesis on gamma-ray absorption. Stefan Meyer acknowledged her extraordinary abilities.

1938 Anschluss : The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany forced Marietta to flee. As a Jewish scientist, she had to abandon her laboratory, ongoing research, and academic position. She found refuge in Norway, then Mexico, and eventually the United States.

Exile marked a tragic rupture in her career. Far from her Viennese lab and without access to the same resources, she had to rebuild her professional life under challenging conditions. Yet she continued to publish and contribute to scientific research.

1960 – Return to Vienna: After more than twenty years in exile, Marietta returned to Austria. She worked at the Radium Institute until her retirement, finally receiving recognition for her pioneering contributions. Austria awarded her the Erwin Schrödinger Prize in 1962.