A. Albert Einstein.
Explanation:
E = mc2. There are few people who wouldn't instantly recognise this equation and the genius who conceived it — Albert Einstein. Einstein is one of the greatest scientists in mankind's history and is certainly recognised as such. His work in theoretical physics, from developing the theory of general relativity to advancing the law of photoelectric effect, not only earned him a Nobel Prize in 1921 but also earned him the title of the most prominent physicist of the twentieth century and Time magazine's ‘person of the century’. His contributions to the philosophy of science and his rationalisations on morality and ethics devoid of religious influence, though not as well-known as his scientific work, are still regarded as extremely important. He was also an ardent proponent of civil rights — fighting against racism in the US, and furthering the Zionist cause in Israel.