The year 1901 in science and technology included many events, some of which are listed below.

Biology

• Okapi, a relative of the Giraffe found in the rainforests around the Zaire, is discovered (previously known only to local natives).

Chemistry

• The Edison Storage Battery Company is founded.
• Europium discovered by Eugéne Demarcay

Mathematics

• Élie Cartan develops the exterior derivative.

Medicine

• Epinephrine is rediscovered by Jokichi Takamine, who names it adrenaline.

Photography

• Eastman Kodak introduced the 120 film.

Physics

• Guglielmo Marconi transmits radio signals from Cornwall to Newfoundland.

Awards

• First Nobel Prizes awarded
  • Physics - Wilhelm Röntgen
  • Chemistry - Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff
  • Medicine - Emil Adolf von Behring
• Wollaston Medal for Geology - Charles Barrois

Births

• February 28 - Linus Pauling (d. 1994), chemist, Nobel Prize winner for chemistry and peace.
• August 10 - Franco Rasetti (d. 2001), physicist.
• September 29 - Enrico Fermi (d. 1954), physicist.
• December 5 - Werner Heisenberg (d. 1976), physicist.
• December 16 - Margaret Mead (d. 1978), anthropologist.

Deaths

• February 22 - George FitzGerald (b. 1851), mathematician.