Georgy N. Flerov

Soviet scientist

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June 26, 2026

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Georgy N. Flerov was a Soviet physicist known for his significant contributions to nuclear research. In 1942, he noticed the cessation of Western publications on nuclear fission, deducing that the research had become classified. This led him to urge Premier Joseph Stalin to prioritize the development of the uranium bomb.1

Flerov's insights were crucial in initiating the Soviet atomic bomb project. His work contributed to the understanding of nuclear fission and the potential for chain reactions. The element flerovium, with atomic number 114, was named in his honor by scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, where he had worked. Flerovium is an artificially produced, radioactive transuranium element.123

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nuclear weapon
Atomic weapons
In early 1942 Soviet physicist Georgy N. Flerov noticed that articles on nuclear fission were no longer appearing in Western journals—an indication that research on the subject had become classified. In response, Flerov wrote to, among others, Premier Joseph Stalin, insisting that “we must build the uranium bomb without delay.”…
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In early 1942 Soviet physicist Georgy N. Flerov noticed that articles on nuclear fission were no longer appearing in Western journals—an indication that research on the subject had become classified. In response, Flerov wrote to, among others, Premier Joseph Stalin, insisting that “we must build the uranium bomb without delay.”…
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seaborgium
In June 1974, Georgy N. Flerov of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research at Dubna, Russia, U.S.S.R., announced that his team of investigators had synthesized and identified element 106. In September of the same year, a group of American researchers headed by Albert Ghiorso at the Lawrence Radiation…
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In June 1974, Georgy N. Flerov of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research at Dubna, Russia, U.S.S.R., announced that his team of investigators had synthesized and identified element 106. In September of the same year, a group of American researchers headed by Albert Ghiorso at the Lawrence Radiation…
Read More