Arthur Edward Ruark (9.11. 1899-1.05.1978) was an American physicist and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Born in Washington. Graduated from Johns Hopkins University (1921). In 1921–26 he worked at the Bureau of Standards in Washington, in 1930–34 he was professor at the University of Pittsburgh, in 1934–44 at the University of North Carolina, in 1946–52 at Johns Hopkins University, in 1952–56 professor at the University of Alabama, and in 1957–66 at the Atomic Energy Commission.
His work was in the field of atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, the interaction of electrons with matter, plasma physics and the problem of controlled thermonuclear fusion. In 1957–66 he headed the American programme of controlled thermonuclear fusion.