Who she was
Ellen Gleditsch was a Norwegian radiochemist and one of the early pioneers of radioactivity research. She became Norway’s second female professor and played a key role in establishing radiochemistry as a scientific discipline.

Contribution to science and cancer research
Gleditsch began her career working in Marie Curie’s laboratory in Paris, where she contributed to the study of radioactive elements. Her work helped establish the half-life of radium and supported the early understanding of isotopes.

Through this work, she helped enable the practical use of radium in medicine, forming part of the scientific foundation for modern radiation therapy.

Connection to Norway and legacy
After her time abroad, Gleditsch returned to Norway and became a professor at the University of Oslo. She played an important role in strengthening scientific research in Norway and advancing opportunities for women in academia.
Her contributions helped bring cutting-edge radiation science to Norway at a critical time for the development of cancer treatment.