Frédéric Joliot-Curie

Profession: Physicist

Biography: Frédéric Joliot-Curie was a renowned French physicist who, alongside his wife Irène Joliot-Curie, made significant contributions to nuclear science. He was the son-in-law of Marie and Pierre Curie and continued their pioneering work in the field of radioactivity. Joliot-Curie's groundbreaking research led to the discovery of artificial radioactivity, for which he and his wife were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1935.

Joliot-Curie's scientific career began when he started working as an assistant at the Radium Institute in Paris, headed by Marie Curie. It was here that he met Irène Curie, and their shared passion for science led to a fruitful personal and professional partnership.

Their most significant discovery was the synthesis of new radioactive elements in 1934. By bombarding stable elements such as boron, aluminium, and magnesium with alpha particles, they were able to create new radioactive isotopes. This breakthrough in the creation of artificial radioactivity had profound implications for research and practical applications in medicine and industry.

Beyond his scientific work, Joliot-Curie was also known for his political activism. He was a vocal advocate for the peaceful use of atomic energy and strongly opposed its military applications. In the late 1930s, he took part in efforts to establish a French nuclear program and later served as the first High Commissioner for Atomic Energy in post-war France.

Born: March 19, 1900
Birthplace: Paris, France

Generation: Lost Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: August 14, 1958 (aged 58)
Cause of Death: Liver disease