Scientist Ernest Rutherford under the spotlight at Museum of Science and Industry

EXHIBITION: Ernest Rutherford

By Jamie Dickenson & David Wright

Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is paying homage to the 'father of nuclear physics' Ernest Rutherford this month.

Running until the end of October, an exhibition at the popular museum celebrates Rutherford's description of the 'planetary model' of an atom.

Although such scientific marvels as Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr have enjoyed greater credit and recognition, Rutherford’s lasting legacy and influence within his field means he should be better known.

Catherine Rushmore, science curator at MOSI, said: “Rutherford is a really great example to people of a creative thinker, of how important collaboration and relationships can be at work, and how scientists change their minds when new information comes to light,” she said.

“It would be good if more people did know a little about what he was like or what he did.”

Born in New Zealand in 1871, Rutherford won a scholarship to study at the University of New Zealand before travelling to England for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.

Rutherford left the country to work at McGill University in Canada in 1898 – where he won his Nobel Prize in Chemistry – and it wasn’t until 1907 when he returned to England to take the Chair of Physics at the University of Manchester.

From 1907-1919, Rutherford’s laboratory in Manchester was the scene of scientific discoveries that formed the foundations of nuclear physics.

Rutherford and two of his students conducted ground-breaking experiments making him the first scientist to split the atom.

He was also personally involved in the early use of radiotherapy to fight cancer, acting as an advisor to the Christie Hospital.

Ms Rushmore claims it is not just high intellect that made Rutherford such a successful physicist.

She said: “His story is really inspiring; it shows that hard work, dedication, and being a great communicator gets you a long way.”

Ernest Rutherford: Father of Nuclear Physics runs until 30 October.