Georgios N. Papanikolaou (or George Papanicolaou; Greek: Γεώργιος Παπανικολάου) (May 13, 1883–February 19, 1962) was born at Kimi on the island of Evia , in Greece.

He studied at the University of Athens and then in Germany. He is known for his invention of Papanikolaou's test, now known as the Pap smear, which is used worldwide for the detection and prevention of cervical cancer and other cytologic diseases of the female reproductive system.