Abelson

American biologist and science writer

Philip Abelson

Born	April 27, 1913
Birth place	Tacoma, Washington, United States
Died	August 1, 2004
Place of death	Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Nationality	American
Known for	Co-discovery of neptunium
Awards	National Medal of Science, Enrico Fermi Award

Philip Hauge Abelson (April 27, 1913 – August 1, 2004) was an American biophysicist and science writer. He is best known for his co-discovery of the element neptunium and his contributions to the field of nuclear physics. Abelson also served as the editor of the journal Science and was a prominent advocate for scientific research and education.

Early Life and Education

Abelson was born in Tacoma, Washington. He attended Washington State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry and physics in 1933. He then pursued graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he received his Ph.D. in nuclear physics in 1939.

Career

After completing his doctorate, Abelson joined the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C., where he conducted research in biophysics and nuclear physics. During World War II, he worked on the Manhattan Project, contributing to the development of the atomic bomb. In 1940, Abelson and Edwin McMillan co-discovered the element neptunium, the first transuranium element. This discovery was a significant milestone in the field of nuclear chemistry.

Contributions to Science

Abelson made numerous contributions to various scientific fields. He was a pioneer in the use of radioisotopes in biological research and played a key role in the development of the liquid thermal diffusion process for uranium enrichment. As the editor of Science, Abelson was influential in shaping the direction of scientific research and policy. He wrote extensively on topics such as energy policy, environmental science, and science education.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Abelson received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Science in 1987 and the Enrico Fermi Award in 1988. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Personal Life

Abelson was married to Neva Abelson, a distinguished physician and researcher who co-developed the Rh blood test. They had one daughter, Ellen Abelson Cherniavsky.

Legacy

Philip Abelson's contributions to science and his advocacy for research and education have left a lasting impact on the scientific community. His work continues to influence various fields, including nuclear physics, biophysics, and science policy.

Related Pages

• Neptunium
• Edwin McMillan
• Manhattan Project
• Science (journal)
• National Medal of Science
• Enrico Fermi Award
• Carnegie Institution for Science