Christian de Duve was a Belgian biochemist born on October 2, 1917, and he passed away on May 4, 2013. He is best known for his discovery of lysosomes and peroxisomes, which are essential organelles in cells that help break down waste materials and detoxify harmful substances. His research significantly advanced the understanding of cellular processes. In 1974, de Duve was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his contributions to cell biology. He was also a prominent advocate for science and ethics, emphasizing the importance of scientific research in addressing global challenges.