Ivan Supek

File:Ivan Supek.jpg

Ivan Supek

Name	Ivan Supek
Birth name
Birth date	8 April 1915
Birth place	Zagreb, Austria-Hungary (now Croatia)
Death date	5 March 2007
Death place	Zagreb, Croatia
Alma mater	University of Leipzig
Occupation
Years active
Organization
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Notable works
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Website

Ivan Supek (8 April 1915 – 5 March 2007) was a prominent Croatian physicist, philosopher, writer, and a notable figure in the field of nuclear physics. He was also a significant advocate for peace and a critic of the misuse of scientific discoveries.

Early Life and Education

Ivan Supek was born in Zagreb, which was then part of Austria-Hungary. He showed an early interest in science and philosophy, which led him to pursue studies in physics. Supek attended the University of Leipzig, where he studied under the tutelage of Werner Heisenberg, a leading figure in quantum mechanics.

Academic Career

After completing his studies, Supek returned to Croatia and became a professor at the University of Zagreb. He was instrumental in developing the university's physics department and was a key figure in the establishment of the Ruđer Bošković Institute, a leading scientific research institution in Croatia.

Contributions to Physics

Supek's work in nuclear physics was highly regarded. He made significant contributions to the understanding of nuclear reactions and quantum theory. His research was published in numerous scientific journals, and he was a respected member of the international scientific community.

Philosophy and Literature

In addition to his scientific work, Supek was deeply interested in philosophy and literature. He wrote extensively on the ethical implications of scientific research and was a vocal critic of the arms race and the potential for nuclear warfare. His philosophical writings often explored the intersection of science and human values.

Advocacy for Peace

Ivan Supek was a committed advocate for peace and disarmament. He was involved in various international movements that sought to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Supek believed that scientists had a moral responsibility to ensure that their discoveries were used for the betterment of humanity.

Legacy

Supek's legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as a brilliant scientist, a thoughtful philosopher, and a passionate advocate for peace. His work continues to inspire new generations of scientists and thinkers who are concerned with the ethical dimensions of scientific progress.

Also see

• Werner Heisenberg
• Ruđer Bošković Institute
• Nuclear physics
• Quantum mechanics
• Ethics in science