Reflections on the conference marking the 100th anniversary of Marie Curie-Skłodowska's visit to Jáchymov

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, we held a professional conference in Jáchymov dedicated to the legacy of Marie Curie-Skłodowska and the 100th anniversary of her visit to the town. The conference opened a three-day programme commemorating the historical and scientific significance of this exceptional figure and her ties to Jáchymov. The event was organised as part of the Centre for Spa Research project. The partners were Léčebné lázně Jáchymov and the Spolek přátel Marie Curie-Skłodowské (Society of Friends of Marie Curie-Skłodowska).

The opening address was given by MUDr. Eduard Bláha, President of the Svaz léčebných lázní České republiky (Union of Therapeutic Spas of the Czech Republic), followed by a speech by Ing. Dana Drábová, Ph.D., Dr. h. c. The conference featured experts from the Czech Republic, Poland and France. Dr. Renaud Huynh, director of the Musée Curie in Paris, discussed the development of research into radioactivity and the role of the Curies in an international context. Prof. Izabela Nowak addressed the phenomenon of “radium fever” and presented period objects from the early 20th century. Prof. Tomasz Pospieszny outlined the connection between Jáchymov uranium and the birth of modern nuclear science. Dr. Barbara Gołębiowska, director of the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum in Warsaw, emphasised Marie Curie-Skłodowska's significance both as a scientist and as an inspiring personality.

Further presentations addressed topics such as brachyradium therapy in Jáchymov, the use of radon in contemporary spa practice, the mining history and natural resources of the region, the safety of radioactive waste storage, and the social and cultural context of Marie Curie-Skłodowska's activities. Other topics included radiation protection, the history of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, and scientific cooperation with the Curie family.

The conference was held under the patronage of Mgr. Jana Mračková Vildumetzová, Governor of the Karlovy Vary Region, and Ing. Andrea Pfeffer Ferklová, MBA, Mayor of the Statutory City of Karlovy Vary and Councillor for Spa Affairs, Tourism and UNESCO.

An almanac was also produced as part of the conference, With Madame Curie-Skłodowska at the Cradle of Radium: A Commemoration of the Centenary of Her Remarkable Visit to Jáchymov, created by a team of authors: Karel Kůt, Šárka Malá, Ivan Malý, Patricie Hloušková, Karel Řeháček and Lubomír Zeman.