The essay describes life and work of academician Vitaly G. Khlopin (1890-1950), the outstanding Russian scientist in the field of radioactive substances. Being a prominent specialist in the field of radioactive substances, V.G. Khlopin was one of the closest colleagues of academician V.I. Vernadsky, he was the head of the radium Institute in Leningrad for many years, created a large scientific school of radiochemists, took an active part in the implementation of the Atomic project in the USSR.