Lise Meitner Symposium — Panel 1: The Life and work of Lise Meitner

Allen Packwood introduces himself as the director of the Churchill Archive Center and master of ceremonies for the event. He gives an overview of the day's agenda, highlights the significance of the Lisa Meitner collection, and provides practical information regarding recordings, social media, and housekeeping notes such as fire safety and hospitality arrangements.

Athena Donald welcomes attendees to Churchill College and reflects on the life and legacy of physicist Lisa Meitner. She emphasizes the symposium's theme of celebrating a scientist who never lost her humanity and the importance of recognizing Meitner's scientific contributions and personal integrity. Donald also highlights the day's distinguished speakers and events, including a play featuring historical female scientists.

Members of Lisa Meitner's extended family, including her great-niece Monica Frisch and great-nephews Tony Frisch and Paul Meitner, share personal anecdotes and memories of her. They discuss her character, personal interactions, and family history, painting a vivid picture of Meitner's life outside her scientific achievements.

Monica Frisch and Tony Frisch provide more detailed accounts of Lisa Meitner's later years in Cambridge. They describe her living arrangements, her modest yet dignified lifestyle, and her interactions with family members. These recollections give insight into her personal life, including her hobbies and the impact of her legacy on her family.

Graham Farmelo introduces the first panel discussion, highlighting the historical context and scientific significance of Lisa Meitner's contributions. He provides a brief overview of the early 20th-century developments in atomic physics and the key figures involved, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Meitner's impact.

The panel consists of Ruth Lewin Sime, David Rennert, and Annette Vogt, who bring diverse perspectives on Meitner's life and work. Each panelist presents their research and insights, covering different aspects of Meitner's scientific achievements, personal struggles, and the historical context of her career.

Ruth Lewin Sime delves into Meitner's scientific journey, focusing on her collaboration with Otto Hahn and the discovery of nuclear fission. Sime emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of their work and the challenges Meitner faced, including her forced exile and the subsequent exclusion from the Nobel Prize recognition.

Ruth Lewin Sime continues to explore Meitner's contributions to nuclear physics and the complexities of her professional relationships, particularly with Otto Hahn. Sime discusses the impact of their collaborative work and the historical significance of the discovery of nuclear fission, highlighting the gender and political biases that affected Meitner's recognition.

Ruth Lewin Sime addresses the personal and professional challenges Meitner faced due to her forced exile from Germany. She explores the emotional toll of her displacement, the loss of her career, and her struggle to continue her work in Sweden under difficult conditions. Sime also touches on the broader historical context and the persecution of Jewish scientists during the Nazi era.

Ruth Lewin Sime concludes her presentation by discussing the post-war recognition of Meitner's work and the ongoing controversy surrounding her exclusion from the Nobel Prize. She highlights the importance of historical context in understanding scientific discoveries and the role of gender bias in the recognition of women scientists.

The panelists engage in a discussion about the Nobel Prize deliberations and the gender bias that influenced the exclusion of Lisa Meitner from the award. They examine the available evidence from the Nobel archives and the broader implications of these biases on the recognition of women in science.

David Rennert provides an in-depth look at Lisa Meitner's early life and education in Vienna. He discusses her family's background, her academic journey, and the challenges she faced as one of the first female students in physics at the University of Vienna. Rennert highlights the cultural and social context of Vienna during this period and its influence on Meitner's development as a scientist.

David Rennert continues to explore Meitner's early years, emphasizing the support she received from her family and the significant milestones in her academic career. He describes her rigorous preparation for university entrance exams, her enrollment as one of the first female physics students, and her influential mentors, including Ludwig Boltzmann.

David Rennert details Meitner's achievements in academia, including her PhD in physics and her groundbreaking work at the University of Vienna. He reflects on her early scientific contributions and the recognition she received, setting the stage for her later accomplishments in Berlin.

Annette Vogt discusses Meitner's move to Berlin and her collaboration with Otto Hahn. She highlights the significant scientific achievements during this period, including the discovery of protactinium and the development of nuclear physics. Vogt also addresses the gender discrimination Meitner faced and her perseverance in the male-dominated field of physics.

Annette Vogt elaborates on Meitner's work at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Chemistry, where she led her own department and continued her collaboration with Otto Hahn. She describes the scientific environment in Berlin, the interdisciplinary nature of their research, and the recognition Meitner received for her contributions.

Annette Vogt highlights the numerous honors and awards Meitner received in the 1920s, reflecting her status as a leading physicist. She provides details on the prestigious prizes and recognitions, including the Leibniz Medal and her election as a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences.

Annette Vogt discusses the devastating impact of the Nazi regime on Meitner's career. She explores how the political climate forced Meitner to flee Germany, the challenges she faced in exile, and the interruption of her scientific work. Vogt emphasizes the resilience Meitner showed during this period and her continued contributions to physics despite the obstacles.

Annette Vogt covers the post-war recognition of Meitner's work and the renewed interest in her legacy. She discusses the various awards and honors Meitner received later in life, the publication of biographies, and the ongoing efforts to highlight her contributions to science. Vogt also addresses the challenges of restoring Meitner's place in the history of physics.

Annette Vogt concludes by emphasizing the importance of historical context in understanding Meitner's contributions and the recognition she received. She highlights the need to consider the broader social, political, and gender dynamics that influenced Meitner's career and legacy.

The panelists engage in a lively discussion with the audience, addressing questions about Meitner's political views, her relationships with colleagues, and her impact on future generations of scientists. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, providing deeper insights into Meitner's life and work.

The discussion shifts to the importance of Meitner as a role model for women in science. The panelists and audience members reflect on her legacy, the impact of her achievements on young girls and women, and the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in STEM fields.

The symposium concludes with final remarks from the panelists and organizers. They summarize the key points discussed, highlight the importance of continuing to recognize and celebrate Meitner's contributions, and outline future directions for research and advocacy in promoting the legacy of women in science.