Leó Szilárd

Physicist and engineer, Manhattan Project

Leó Szilárd - Scientists & Innovators born 1898
Born

1898
128 years ago

Died
Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

A Hungarian-American physicist and engineer who contributed significantly to nuclear physics. Played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project during World War II. Developed the concept of a nuclear chain reaction and patented the idea of a nuclear reactor. Later advocated for the peaceful use of atomic energy and warned against nuclear proliferation.

Conceived the idea of nuclear chain reactions

Contributed to the Manhattan Project

Advocated for nuclear arms control

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