Page 38 - Neutrons for Sciences and Society

CHAPTER 2
Portraits of three founders of the ILL
The creation of an institute such as the ILL is the result of work and engagement of many contributors. Some of these are listed
in chapter Key people. As I have already written, three men had essential roles in the genesis of the ILL: Jules Horowitz, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz and Louis Néel. All three are now deceased. I will try and draw a brief profile of each of them. During their lives
all three have played a role which far exceeds their involvement with the ILL. Horowitz was the originator of French nuclear developments, and the consequent national energy independence. Moreover he contributed to making the CEA become a major force in French fundamental research. Louis Néel made Grenoble a national and international centre for basic and applied research. Maier-Leibnitz regenerated German physics as a major player,
as it had been up to 1933. Thanks to their hard work and their intellect these key players imposed major policy options within their countries. They were undoubtedly men of power. They were fully aware of their intelligence, but were never arrogant. Arrogance is a sign of the weak and those who have no trust in others. Common to all three was their discipline, both intellectual and moral. This said, each had their own personality which I will try to show.