1897-1967

British physicist who was awarded the 1951 Nobel Prize for Physics with Ernest Walton for pioneering work on the transmutation of atomic nuclei by accelerated particles. Cockcroft played an integral role in the development of nuclear energy as an atomic advisor to the British government and as the leader of various nuclear research projects and facilities, including head of Britain's first atomic energy research laboratory at Harwell. During World War II he was responsible for developing radar equipment for anti-aircraft guns.