Lise Meitner
Lise Meitner (November 7, 1878 - October 27, 1968) was an Austrian physicist who made fundamental contributions to nuclear physics, particularly in understanding the process of nuclear fission. Alongside Otto Hahn, she studied the disintegration of heavy atomic nuclei, and it was Meitner, in collaboration with her nephew Otto Frisch, who correctly interpreted the experimental results as evidence of the fission of the uranium nucleus. This discovery paved the way for the development of nuclear energy. Although Hahn received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the work, Meitner’s role has been widely acknowledged by the scientific community as crucial to one of the most significant breakthroughs of the 20th century.
Quotes
- Science makes people reach selflessly for truth and objectivity; it teaches people to accept reality, with wonder and admiration, not to mention the deep awe and joy that the natural order of things brings to the true scientist.
- Life need not be easy, provided only that it is not empty.
- You must not blame us scientists for the use which war technicians have put our discoveries.