Lise Meitner was an Austrian physicist of Jewish descent, best known for her significant contributions to the field of nuclear physics and her role in the discovery of nuclear fission. Born on November 7, 1878, in Vienna, Meitner obtained her doctorate in physics in 1906 and embarked on a successful scientific career.
Meitner's collaborative work with Otto Hahn in the 1930s led to the groundbreaking discovery of nuclear fission. She, along with Hahn, conducted experiments that revealed that bombarding uranium atoms with neutrons could cause them to split into smaller particles, releasing vast amounts of energy. This discovery laid the foundation for the development of nuclear power and atomic weapons.
Despite her instrumental involvement in the discovery of nuclear fission, Meitner's contributions were often overshadowed. She faced discrimination due to her gender and Jewish heritage, leading her to flee from Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938.
Throughout her life, Meitner made significant contributions to the understanding of beta decay and nuclear transformations, publishing numerous papers and collaborating with prominent physicists. In recognition of her work, she was awarded several prestigious honours, including the Max Planck Medal and the Enrico Fermi Award.
Lise Meitner's legacy as a physicist, researcher, and advocate for women in science serves as an inspiration to future generations. Her groundbreaking discoveries have forever shaped our understanding of nuclear physics, and her determination in the face of adversity continues to inspire scientists worldwide.
