The journey of Australian science – Oliphant and nuclear physics

You are invited to join the Australian Academy of Science in exploring the remarkable work of Professor Sir Mark Oliphant AC KBE FAA FTSE FRS—one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century and the Academy’s founding President.

On what would have been his 123rd birthday, this fifth instalment of the 2024 public speaker series will focus on Professor Oliphant’s crucial contributions to the development of particle accelerators, and how his scientific expertise contributed to some of the most significant technological breakthroughs which continue to improve lives today. The speakers will also look at Oliphant’s impact more broadly, and how he helped build Australia’s understanding of science and its importance to society.

Professor Nanda Dasgupta FAA and Dr Ed Simpson from the Australian National University (ANU) will dive into Professor Oliphant’s pioneering research on nuclear fusion and learn how his experiments paved the way for modern understanding of energy release from atomic nuclei. We will discover how his early work laid the foundation for future innovations in nuclear technology.

Professor Sir Mark Oliphant

Mark Oliphant AC KBE FAA FTSE FRS (1901–2000) was a distinguished Australian physicist whose groundbreaking work left an indelible mark on the field of nuclear science.

Renowned for his pioneering research in nuclear fusion, Professor Oliphant’s experiments were crucial in understanding how atomic nuclei can merge to release energy. His innovative work on particle accelerators, particularly cyclotrons, revolutionised experimental nuclear physics and advanced the ability to probe the fundamental nature of matter.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Professor Oliphant played a key role in the development of nuclear technology during World War II, contributing his expertise to the Manhattan Project. His contributions have had lasting impacts on both theoretical and applied physics, shaping the future of nuclear energy and particle physics.

Professor Oliphant’s leadership extended beyond his scientific work. As the founding President of the Australian Academy of Science, serving from 1954 to 1960, he was instrumental in advancing the scientific community in Australia, promoting research and fostering collaboration. His presidency helped establish the Academy as a leading institution for scientific excellence and innovation in the country.

Speakers

• ​Professor Mahananda (Nanda) Dasgupta FAA – Experimental physicist and Director of the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility in the Department of Nuclear Physics at the Australian National University (ANU)
• Dr Edward (Ed) Simpson – Nuclear physicist and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Nuclear Physics and Accelerator Applications at the Australian National University (ANU)

For more information please visit the journey of Australian science – Oliphant and nuclear physics’ event page.

Photo by Lesley A Butler on flikr