Radiochemical research and achievements of the Kaiser-Wilhelm Institute for Chemistry (KWI) have been the basis of many applications of isotopes and radiation

Since the discovery of the process of nuclear fission fifty years ago, research in this branch of science has opened up a broad variety of applications of radiation and isotopes, and one can be sure that there still is a large potential of developments in nuclear science. The fiftieth anniversary of the first nuclear fission observed is a good occasion to make a review and appraisal of the basic and applied research done so far. Atomic radiation and its possible uses are a main pillar of modern science and technology, and a magnificent tool in medical diagnostics and therapy . (orig./RB)