In memoriam: Lee Grodzins, Professor Emeritus of Physics
Grodzins was a pioneer in nuclear physics research and a science policy advocate
Lee Grodzins, Professor Emeritus in Physics, died on March 6 at the age of 98. Grodzins was a pioneer in nuclear physics research. A talented experimentalist, Grodzins determined the helicity of the neutrino, an electrically neutral particle that interacts only through gravity and a fundamental force known as the weak interaction.
Grodzins came to MIT in 1959 and was a faculty member for 40 years. He was the architect behind several notable studies, ranging from computer axial tomography using synchrotron radiation to his study of heavy ion interactions with nuclei using a Van de Graaff accelerator. Grodzins was also known for his mentorship and taught the Junior Lab subject, required for undergraduate physics majors for many years.
Grodzins was known for his advocacy in the policy space. In 1969, he co-founded the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit that calls for scientific research to be angled towards building a healthier and safer world. In 1999, he founded the nonprofit Cornerstones in Science, a public library initiative that seeks to enhance public engagement with science.
Grodzins is survived by his wife Nora Nykiel Grodzins and his children.