When the Physics Laboratory on the Westersingel opened in 1892, it was one of the most modern laboratories in the world. Free of iron and almost vibration-free, it was designed so physicist Herman Haga could conduct his research.
But what Haga couldn’t have known was that the very same laboratory would prevent anyone from replicating his experiments with X-rays. As a result, the brilliant researcher missed out on a Nobel Prize.
‘Misunderstood Genius’ is the sixth episode of the podcast Echoes, which tells stories from four centuries of the University of Groningen. Editors Christien Boomsma and Rob van der Wal from UKrant introduce you to a scientist who did groundbreaking work but was practically forgotten.
Next week: ‘A Russian Spy’, about a Finnish physicist who never earned his doctorate and was monitored by nearly every Western intelligence agency.
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