Science brings nations together: Mary Good and the heaviest atoms and nuclei

Abstract

Abstract The 20th century started with the realization that working together and collaborating expedites new discoveries. The Solvay Conference in 1911 brought together scientists to try to understand the real nature of matter, the new elements, and their properties. Through global conflicts, the scientists stayed in communication and organized IUPAC and IUPAP to stay current in advances internationally in chemistry and physics, respectively. The outcomes include the discovery and naming of the elements that complete the periodic table of elements and the chart of nuclides with the heavy atoms and all of their isotopes. Mary Lowe Good forged new directions in developing tools in the field of radiochemistry. She exemplified cooperation and collaboration nationally and internationally. Now the advances in the heavy elements by Yuri Ts. Oganessian and colleagues staying close to the principles of international cooperation and sharing the new information about the connection of the production of super heavy elements to the main part of the chart of nuclides. The future lies in determining whether there are more elements to be discovered and what are their chemical properties.