A look at Papanikolaou’s story, the doctor whose achievements helped save millions of women’s lives.

Described by many as one of the most brilliant scientific minds of the 20th century, Georgios Papanikolaou is recognised for developing the life-saving cervical cancer test also known as Pap smear or Pap test. 

In his honour, Google is changing its logo in 12 countries to a doodle, or illustration, of him and a microscope.

But in his lifetime, the doctor was not always appreciated for his achievements. This is his story: 

‘I’m no longer a dreamer’

• Born on the Greek island of Euboea on May 13, 1883, Papanikolaou was one of four children.

• He attended the University of Athens, majoring in music and the humanities. 

• According to the tradition of those times, the firstborn son had to follow his father’s steps, but as his brother chose law, Papanikolaou, who was already showing an inclination towards medicine, took up the responsibility instead. 

• In 1898, aged only 15, he managed to get into the School of Medicine of the National University of Athens, and after graduation, he worked in the military as an assistant surgeon for a short time. In 1904, he graduated with top honours. 

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  He returned to Greece, and for the next two years, he cared for leprosy patients on the outskirts of his hometown. Papanikolaou provided them with both medical and personal care.

• The scientist also used this time to study philosophy and biology, however, he discovered scientific research still fascinated him.

• Aware of this, his father decided to send him to Germany for further studies. The German period of his life was full of explorations and discoveries and it was during this time that the scientist decided that research and biology would be the purpose of his life.

• He received a PhD in zoology in 1910. 

Papanikolaou wrote to his father

Life in the United States 

• In 1910, after his return to Greece he married the educated and open-minded Andromache Mavroyeni (Mary). She was the descendant of the Mavrogenous family who made history fighting against the Ottomans in the Greek War of Independence.

• In 1913, Papanikolaou, together with his wife disembarked in New York. 

• The couple initially struggled to make a living – Papanikolaou sold carpets and played the violin in restaurants as Mary sewed buttons for $5 a week, but he would overcome the difficulties quickly.

• In October 1914, Papanikolaou was recruited as a researcher at Cornell University, he would work there for the next 47 years.

• In there, Georgios worked alongside his wife who served as a technician and sometimes test subject.

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