Occhialini’s trajectory in Latin America

Abstract

Giuseppe Occhialini treated mathematics with limited deference but was a master in conducting experiments, which revealed essential issues resulting from the observation of nature. His role in the training of the first generation of Brazilian physicists at the recently created Universidade de S˜ao Paulo (USP) was an important one. The study of cosmic rays, which at the time was considered an area of very high-energy nuclear physics, fascinated experimental and theoretical physicists at the university. Since cosmic rays are present anywhere in nature and since it is possible to detect them at any altitude, research in this area could be conducted in small laboratories at any location, and with limited financial resources. It was therefore well suited to Brazil’s economic-financial reality and research could be conducted at a similar level to that of other countries.