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Born in Adelaide, South Australia.
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Graduated from the University of Adelaide
Received a B.S. in Physics from the University of Adelaide. -
Received Ph.D. in Physics from Cambridge University.
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Lead the theory of nuclear fusion
Co-discovered deuterium, tritium, and helium-3, leading to the theory of nuclear fusion at Cavendish Laboratory. -
Became the Poynting Chair of Physics at the University of Birmingham.
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Created the MAUD committee
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Travelled to the United States
He met with Samuel K. Allison, James B. Conant, Lyman Briggs, Ernest Lawrence, and Enrico Fermi to urge the development of an American atomic bomb. -
Moved to the United States to participate in the Manhattan Project.
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Developed electromagnetic isotope seperation
Oliphant worked with Sir Ernest Lawrance to develop the fissile component of the Little Boy using electromegnetic isotope seperation. They were part of the "Manhattan Project" to build the Little Boy. -
Co-founded the Australian Academy of Sciences and became the Director of Science
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Became a Knight of the British Empire.
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Appointed as governor of South Australia
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Became a Companion of the Order of Australia
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Died in Canberra, Australia