Birthplace of Atomic Age

The Atomic Age began at 3:25 p.m. on Dec. 2, 1942—on a squash racquets court under the west stands of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago, as an extraordinary team of scientists led by Enrico Fermi oversaw the first man-made, self-controlled nuclear chain reaction. UChicago commemorated the 75th anniversary of the historic experiment in December 2017.

Featured

Chain reaction pile

Race to the first nuclear chain reaction

UChicago scholar to address legacy of first nuclear chain reaction Robert Rosner

UChicago scholar to address legacy of first nuclear chain reaction

1942: UChicago’s race to the first nuclear reaction Scientists

1942: UChicago’s race to the first nuclear reaction

Scholars discuss the scientists at the University of Chicago who, on Dec. 2, 1942, achieved the first self-sustained nuclear chain reaction.

UChicago to commemorate 75th anniversary of first chain reaction

UChicago to commemorate 75th anniversary of first chain reaction

How the Atomic Age Began at UChicago

How the Atomic Age Began at UChicago

On Dec. 2, 1942, Enrico Fermi and his team achieved the first controlled, self-sustainingnuclear chain reaction, as part of the wartime Manhattan Project. We look back at the momentous event and its impact on the University.

Franke Forum: Norma Field on “From Stagg Field to Fukushima: A History of Nuclear Power”

Franke Forum: Norma Field on “From Stagg Field to Fukushima: A History of Nuclear Power”

Norma Field, professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Chicago, discusses the history of nuclear power and the state of nuclear power and weapons today in the scope of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. She presents a variety of reactions...