The most inspirational woman of all time has been named

Marie Curie has topped a list of the 50 most inspirational women of all time.

The Polish physicist and chemist, known for her pioneering research on radioactivity, was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win two Nobel Prizes. Second on the list was Florence Nightingale, who was one of the founders of modern nursing. Following her was Anne Frank, who kept a diary of her life while in hiding during World War II and next were Emmeline Pankhurst and Queen Elizabeth II. J K Rowling just missed out on the top five, placing in sixth position. The survey was conducted by Your Life and surveyed over 2,000 people. Your Life campaign chair Edwina Dunn said:

“Marie Curie and Florence Nightingale deserve this accolade of being named the most inspirational women of all time. They are two brilliant icons whose determination, intelligence and altruism, led incredible scientific advances that changed the world. We want a new generation to be inspired to follow in their footsteps.”

Honesty was voted the most inspirational personal quality, followed by determination, empathy and then kindness. Here is the top 50: Marie Curie Florence Nightingale Anne Frank Emmeline Pankhurst Queen Elizabeth II J K Rowling Mother Theresa Princess Diana Margaret Thatcher Jessica Ennis-Hill Amelia Earhart Joan of Arc Judi Dench Jane Austen Michelle Obama Queen Elizabeth I Marie Stopes Indira Gandhi Rosa Parks Theresa May Kelly Holmes Aung San Suu Kyi Kate, Duchess of Cambridge Oprah Winfrey Ada Lovelace Dawn French Emma Watson Serena Williams Angelina Jolie Hillary Clinton Mary Berry Billie Jean King Aretha Franklin Benazir Bhutto Cleopatra Karen Brady Malala Yousafzai Mary Quant Maya Angelou Marilyn Monroe Katharine Hepburn Billie Holiday Debbie Harry Venus Williams Beyoncé Carole King Madonna Bette Davis Twiggy Nigella Lawson