Otto Hahn Autograph

Profession:
(1879-1968) German chemist and Nobel laureate, a pioneer in the fields of radioactivity and radiochemistry.

Year of Birth: 1879

Otto Hahn was a prominent German chemist who is best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of nuclear chemistry. Born on March 8, 1879 in Frankfurt, Germany, Hahn showed an early interest in science and went on to study chemistry at the University of Marburg and the University of Munich.

Hahn's career took off when he began working with renowned chemist, Wilhelm Ostwald, in Berlin. It was during this time that Hahn conducted the experiments that would ultimately lead to the discovery of nuclear fission. In 1918, he joined the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Chemistry in Berlin, where he would spend the majority of his career.

In 1938, Hahn and his research partner, Fritz Strassmann, made the monumental discovery of nuclear fission, which would later lay the foundation for the development of nuclear weapons and nuclear power. This discovery also earned Hahn the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1944.

Despite the implications of his discovery, Hahn was vehemently opposed to the use of nuclear weapons and spoke out against their development. He devoted the latter years of his career to promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and advocating for nuclear disarmament.

Otto Hahn passed away on July 28, 1968, leaving behind a legacy of scientific discovery and a commitment to using his research for the betterment of humanity. His work in the field of nuclear chemistry continues to inspire scientists and policymakers alike to this day.

Through his pioneering research, Otto Hahn revolutionized the field of chemistry and forever changed the course of scientific discovery. His legacy lives on as a testament to the power of knowledge and the responsibility that comes with scientific advancement.