The father of Romanian nuclear physics, Horia Hulubei, lived a tumultuous life marked by both brilliance and hardship. His story combines the courage of a fighter pilot, the resilience of a war hero, and the intellect of a visionary scientist. He fought in World War I, secretly collaborated with the Allies during World War II to help Romania change sides in 1942, endured imprisonment under the communist regime, and later became the founding director of the Institute of Atomic Physics in Măgurele, inaugurated in 1956.

From soldier to pilot on the front lines

Horia Hulubei was born on November 15, 1896, in Iași, into a modest family. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable curiosity for science, excelling in his studies. After finishing high school, he enrolled at the University of Iași, where he chose to study physics and chemistry.

During that time, the world was engulfed in the turmoil of the First World War. As a student, Hulubei was forced to interrupt his studies when he was drafted into the Romanian Army. 

Commissioned as a second lieutenant, he was sent to the eastern front and took part in the famous battles of Nămoloasa, Băltăreți, and Mărășești in the summer of 1917. There, Romanian troops fought heroically against a much better-equipped German army.

His bravery and determination caught the attention of French General Henri Mathias Berthelot, who selected a group of young Romanian officers to be trained as fighter pilots in France. Hulubei was among them. 

After intensive aviation training, he flew combat missions on the Western Front, proving to be a highly skilled pilot. During one reconnaissance mission, his aircraft was hit by enemy artillery, forcing him to make an emergency landing. He was severely injured and spent months recovering in French hospitals.

Once healed, Hulubei returned to duty and continued to serve until the end of the war. For his courage, he was decorated with the French Légion d’Honneur, one of the highest distinctions of the Republic of France.

A scientist is born

After the war, Hulubei returned to Romania and became involved in developing civil aviation. However, his passion for science soon prevailed, and he resumed his studies at the University of Iași, graduating in 1926.

Eager to advance further, he went to France to pursue doctoral studies under the guidance of Nobel laureate Jean Perrin. His doctoral thesis, defended in 1933, focused on the quantum diffusion of X-rays — an advanced topic for the time — and was examined by none other than Marie Curie herself. This exceptional academic achievement established Hulubei as a promising figure in the international physics community.

During his years in Paris, he collaborated with some of the greatest scientific minds of the era, including Frédéric Joliot-Curie, Paul Langevin, and Albert Einstein. Hulubei published numerous papers on X-ray spectroscopy and the nuclear structure of the atom, consolidating his reputation as a leading physicist.

Upon returning to Romania, he became a professor at the University of Bucharest and played a crucial role in promoting scientific research in the country. His reputation grew steadily, and by the beginning of World War II, he had become one of Romania’s most respected academics.

Diplomat in times of war

During the Second World War, Horia Hulubei was appointed rector of the University of Bucharest. At the same time, he carried out discreet diplomatic missions at the request of Mihai Antonescu, Romania’s foreign minister at the time. 

According to accounts from physicist Dorel Bucurescu of the Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Hulubei was sent to Berlin and Vienna in 1942, officially for scientific exchanges, but in reality to establish contact with Allied representatives and explore the possibility of Romania withdrawing from the Axis alliance.

Through his intelligence and communication skills, Hulubei became not only a scientist but also a patriot serving his country through diplomacy. His contributions to these secret efforts helped pave the way for the events of August 23, 1944, when Romania switched sides and joined the Allies.

However, after the communist regime came to power, Hulubei’s previous diplomatic activities aroused suspicion. In 1945, he was placed under house arrest and interrogated by Alexandru Nicolschi, one of the most feared officers of the Romanian secret police. 

Authorities sought to uncover his contacts abroad. Hulubei was eventually released through the intervention of influential friends, including the renowned mathematician Simion Stoilov.

Founding the Institute of Physics and the dawn of Romanian nuclear science

The atomic bombings of Japan in 1945 fundamentally changed the direction of global science. In this new geopolitical context, Horia Hulubei emerged as the only Romanian scientist with international standing in nuclear physics. 

Recognizing his value, Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej supported the establishment of a national research institute under Hulubei’s direction.

Thus, in 1949, the Institute of Physics of the Romanian Academy was founded — a milestone for Romanian science. In 1956, it was reorganized and divided into two separate entities, one of which became the Institute of Atomic Physics (IFA) at Măgurele. 

Hulubei was appointed its director. Under his leadership, on August 10, 1957, Romania inaugurated its first nuclear reactor — the ninth of its kind in the world.

This achievement placed Romania on the map of international nuclear research and demonstrated Hulubei’s extraordinary vision. He understood that scientific progress depended not only on equipment and infrastructure but also on the education of future generations. 

Therefore, he dedicated great effort to building a strong academic community, mentoring young researchers, and promoting science education.

Building a scientific legacy

During his tenure, the Institute of Atomic Physics became the heart of Romanian research in nuclear physics. Hulubei persuaded political authorities to invest in laboratories, accelerators, and experimental facilities, ensuring that Romanian scientists could work at international standards.

Under his guidance, the institute participated in global scientific projects and fostered collaboration with other European institutions. 

Despite the rigid political climate of the communist regime, Hulubei managed to protect the scientific integrity of his colleagues and to maintain the institute’s prestige abroad.

His international recognition continued to grow. He became a member of several European scientific commissions and received numerous distinctions for his contributions to physics. His publications, spanning hundreds of papers and conference presentations, laid the groundwork for Romania’s nuclear research infrastructure.

The man behind the scientist

Beyond his technical and academic brilliance, Horia Hulubei was known for his moral integrity and patriotism. He envisioned a modern, scientifically developed Romania and dedicated his entire life to achieving it. 

His former students described him as a demanding yet inspiring mentor, capable of motivating those around him through both intellect and example.

Throughout his career, he emphasized the importance of scientific freedom and international collaboration. Even in the harsh years of political censorship, he continued to advocate for the autonomy of research and for the integration of Romanian science into the global community.

The final years and enduring legacy

Horia Hulubei passed away on November 22, 1972, leaving behind an immense scientific heritage. Thanks to his work, the Institute of Atomic Physics in Măgurele became one of the most important research centers in Eastern Europe, and his name remains forever associated with the golden age of Romanian physics.

Today, the Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), located on the same Măgurele platform, carries forward his vision. The institution participates in international projects such as CERN and ELI-NP, standing as a testament to the foundations laid by Hulubei more than half a century ago.

From a young soldier at Mărășești to a pioneer of nuclear science, Horia Hulubei’s life story embodies courage, intelligence, and perseverance. His contributions shaped not only the destiny of Romanian physics but also the broader evolution of scientific thought in Eastern Europe.

Without his determination and foresight, Romania’s presence in the field of nuclear research would likely have been far more modest. Hulubei’s legacy reminds us that true progress is born from a combination of vision, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the power of knowledge.

Even today, his name symbolizes excellence, dedication, and the idea that science — when pursued with integrity — can elevate both the individual and the nation.

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