Lise Meitner

Lise Meitner was an Austrian-Swedish physicist who played a crucial role in the discovery of nuclear fission, the process by which an atomic nucleus splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy. Alongside Otto Hahn, she conducted experiments that revealed how uranium could be split, leading to the development of nuclear power and atomic bombs. Meitner's insights into nuclear reactions and stability greatly advanced our understanding of atomic structure. Despite her pivotal contributions, she did not receive a Nobel Prize, which highlighted issues of recognition for women in science during her time.