Otto Hahn

Otto Hahn (1879-1968), was an eminent German chemist widely regarded as the pioneer of the atomic age and the "father of nuclear chemistry". In late 1938, alongside Fritz Strassmann and with theoretical guidance from Lise Meitner, Hahn discovered nuclear fission, the splitting of uranium nuclei when bombarded with neutrons. This monumental discovery earned him the 1944 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and unlocked the potential for both nuclear energy and atomic weapons. During World War II, Hahn worked on Germany's nuclear research project but remained a staunch opponent of the Nazi regime and atomic weaponry. After the war, deeply troubled by the destructive power of his discovery, he became a passionate advocate against nuclear proliferation and campaigned vigorously for the peaceful application of science. Hahn’s immense scientific legacy and his strong moral stance made him an influential, highly respected figure in post-war global politics.