(1902 – 1995)

Physicist.

He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics (1963) for his contributions to the theory of the atomic nucleus and the elementary particles, particularly through the discovery and application of fundamental symmetry principles. In 1972, he got the Albert Einstein Award, as well.

Wigner co-developed the atomic bomb, and he was responsible for the Manhattan Project idea and the letter to President Roosevelt that inspired it. Official recognition of his work in nuclear research includes the US Medal for Merit, presented in 1946. He also received the Enrico Fermi Prize in 1958, and shared the Atoms for Peace Award (1960) with Leó Szilárd.

Invented: Nuclear Engineering, atomic bomb (co-developer).

Credited with: design of nuclear reactors, progress of nuclear science.