Rita Levi-Montalcini

Nobel-winning neuroscientist who discovered nerve growth factor

Rita Levi-Montalcini (1909-2012) revolutionized neurobiology through her discovery of NGF (Nerve Growth Factor), earning the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine. The Italian-Jewish scientist conducted groundbreaking WWII research in a homemade lab after fleeing fascist persecution.

Key milestones:

• Identified NGF's role in cell development (1952)
• First woman elected to Pontifical Academy of Sciences
• Founded European Brain Research Institute (2002)

Her work laid the foundation for modern cancer and Alzheimer's research. At age 100, she became the first Nobel laureate to reach centenarian status. Levi-Montalcini's autobiography In Praise of Imperfection inspires generations of female scientists.