Pierre Joliot, renowned French biochemist, dies at 94

Pierre Joliot, a prominent French biochemist and grandson of two-time Nobel laureate Maria Skłodowska-Curie, has died at the age of 94. He passed away on October 10, 2026.

Unlike his parents, Irène Joliot-Curie and Frédéric Joliot-Curie, and his grandmother, Joliot focused his scientific career on plant physiology rather than physics or chemistry. He is recognized as a pioneer in the study of photosynthesis, specifically regarding how light energy is captured and converted into bioenergy.

Joliot served as the director of the Institute of Physicochemical Biology (IBPC) from 1994 to 2000 and was an honorary professor at the Collège de France. His professional achievements earned him membership in the French Academy of Sciences in 1982, as well as honors such as the Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit.