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George Michael VolkoffCanadian physicist of Russian origin
Date of Birth: 23.02.1914
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Academic Career
- Scientific Contributions
- Academic and Organizational Roles
- Translation and Recognition
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
George Volkoff was born in Moscow, Russia in 1914 under the name Georgy Mikhailovich Volkoff. In 1924, his family relocated to Vancouver, Canada. The family later spent several years in Harbin, China, where Volkoff's mother passed away. His father returned to Russia in 1936, where he was imprisoned during Stalin's purges.
Academic Career
Volkoff graduated with honors from the University of British Columbia in 1934. In 1936, he entered the graduate program under the supervision of Robert Oppenheimer. In 1939, he co-authored a groundbreaking paper with Oppenheimer on neutron stars, known as the Oppenheimer-Volkoff limit.
Scientific Contributions
Volkoff's research focused on nuclear physics and astrophysics. He made significant contributions to the study of neutron stars, nuclear reactions, and the theory of relativity. During the Manhattan Project, he worked at the Montreal Laboratory, where he played a role in developing the heavy water reactor.
Academic and Organizational Roles
In addition to his scientific work, Volkoff held numerous academic and organizational positions. He led the UBC Physics Department from 1961 to 1970 and served as the university's Vice-President of Research from 1970 to 1979. He was also the Editor of the "Canadian Journal of Physics" from 1950 to 1956.
Translation and Recognition
Volkoff translated scientific articles from Russian to English, bridging the gap between the two scientific communities. He received numerous honors, including the Order of Canada in 1994 for his exceptional scientific achievements.
Legacy
George Volkoff's contributions to physics and science education left a lasting impact on the field. His research and organizational leadership helped advance scientific understanding and support young scientists. He is remembered as a pioneering physicist and a dedicated educator.
