Ilya Frank

Here is a carefully revised and improved memorial biography of Ilya Mikhailovich Frank, based strictly on well-supported facts from reliable sources:

Ilya Mikhailovich Frank (born 23 October 1908, Saint Petersburg – died 22 June 1990, Moscow) was a Soviet physicist esteemed for his foundational contributions to nuclear and neutron physics. He graduated from Moscow State University in 1930 and earned his doctorate in physico-mathematical sciences in 1935. (en.wikipedia.org)

Following his graduation, Frank began his scientific career at the State Optical Institute in Leningrad (1930–1934), where he worked under the guidance of Sergey Ivanovich Vavilov. (en.wikipedia.org) In 1934, he joined the Lebedev Physical Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences, where he transitioned into nuclear physics. (en.wikipedia.org)

Alongside Igor Yevgenyevich Tamm, in 1937 Frank co-developed the theoretical explanation of the luminescence effect discovered by Pavel Cherenkov—now known as Vavilov–Cherenkov radiation—culminating in the presentation of the Frank–Tamm formula. (en.wikipedia.org) Their work had far-reaching implications for particle detection, nuclear physics, and biomedical applications. (en.wikipedia.org)

Frank’s academic recognition included election as a corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences in 1946 and full membership in 1968. (flnp.jinr.int) In 1944, he became a professor at Moscow State University, where he also headed the Atomic Nucleus Laboratory at the Physics Institute. (flnp.jinr.int) Beginning in 1957, he organized and led the Laboratory of Neutron Physics at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, a position he held until 1988. (jinr.ru)

Frank received several major honours: the Stalin Prize (first degree) in 1946 (jointly for the Cherenkov effect discovery) and the second degree in 1953 for work related to the development and testing of the RDS-6S hydrogen bomb. In 1958 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, jointly with Cherenkov and Tamm, for their explanation of Cherenkov radiation. He also received the USSR State Prize in 1971 for work on reactor research. (en.wikipedia.org)

Ilya Frank married historian Ella Abramovna Beilikhis in 1937; they had a son, Alexander, born the same year, who later pursued studies in physics. (en.wikipedia.org) Frank passed away on 22 June 1990 in Moscow at the age of 81. (en.wikipedia.org)

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Summary of key facts:

• Born 23 October 1908, Saint Petersburg; died 22 June 1990, Moscow
• Educated at Moscow State University (1930, doctorate 1935)
• Early career at State Optical Institute; later at Lebedev Physical Institute
• Co-developed theoretical interpretation of Cherenkov radiation (Frank–Tamm formula)
• Professor at MSU; headed nuclear and neutron physics laboratories; organized JINR Laboratory of Neutron Physics (1957–1988)
• Awards: Stalin Prizes (1946, 1953), Nobel Prize in Physics (1958), USSR State Prize (1971)
• Married in 1937 with one son; highly respected Soviet physicist and academician

This rewritten memorial focuses only on facts strongly supported by reliable sources, preserving accurate dates and roles, avoiding unsupported details.