Fritz Strassmann was a German nuclear physicist born on February 22, 1902. He is best known for his role in the discovery of nuclear fission, a process that occurs when the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy. This groundbreaking work was conducted alongside his colleagues, including Otto Hahn and Lise Meitner. Strassmann's research laid the foundation for the development of nuclear energy and atomic weapons. His findings were crucial during the early 20th century, influencing both scientific research and global politics. He continued to contribute to the field of nuclear physics until his retirement, passing away on April 22, 1980.