Scientists’ petition blocks funding for controversial nuclear research
JUN 14, 2012
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.026101
Nature : Piezonuclear fission is a theoretical process in which solids undergo nuclear-splitting reactions when compressed. The theory has not been verified in the lab and, according to some physicists, is implausible. Indeed, a scheme to fund research in piezonuclear fission at the Italian National Institute of Metrological Research (INRIM) in Turin proved so controversial that Italian physicists launched a petition drive in May to urge Italy’s research minister, Francesco Profumo, to block it. As Emiliano Feresin reports for Nature, the petition, which garnered 1000 signaturesâmdash;including 50 from INRIM scientistsâmdash;has been successful.
© 2012 American Institute of Physics
