1983 Seaborg Award: Darleane C. Hoffman

Award Statement C&EN (Pages 8-9)

She attended Iowa State University, Ames, where she obtained a B.S. in chemistry in 1948 and her Ph.D. in physical (nuclear) chemistry in 1951.

Hoffman is best known for her pioneer work on the existence, fissionability, and decay properties of a number of transuranium isotopes. She was codiscoverer of ²⁵⁶Cf, ^256mEs, ²⁵⁸Md, ²⁵⁹Fm and has made sophisticated nuclear measurements on numerous other heavy, exotic isotopes. In these studies she has utilized many techniques, including measurements of fission barriers, spontaneous fission probabilities, neutron multiplicities, kinetic energy distribution of fission products, beta-decay properties, and the production of heavy elements in nuclear weapon tests.

Darleane’s career reshaped nuclear and radiochemistry, from groundbreaking discoveries—including her role in confirming the discovery of Seaborgium—to decades spent mentoring and building the community.

As one of the most prominent female scientists in nuclear chemistry, she broke barriers in a field where women were often overlooked. Her trailblazing career opened doors for future generations, showing that brilliance, perseverance, and passion transcend boundaries.

We celebrate her humor, her humanity, and her ability to make complex science approachable.

Wikipedia Page