Andrei Galatanu

Dr. Andrei Galatanu is a Scientific Researcher I at the National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP) in Romania, where he serves as coordinator of the Applications compartment since 2014. His career spans over three decades at NIMP, progressing from Research Assistant (1994-2001) to Senior Researcher 2nd grade (2004) and Senior Researcher 1st grade (2005-present), with an additional research period at Japan's Advanced Science Research Center (2001-2004).

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Physics, Solid State Physics, University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics (2000)
• Diplom Engineer (MSc in Physics), Solid State Physics, Technological University of Viena, Faculty of Physics (1994)

Dr. Galatanu's research focuses on condensed matter physics and materials science, with expertise in transport phenomena, structural & morphology analysis, magnetic properties, calorimetry, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and thermo-mechanical characterization. His work emphasizes developing advanced characterization techniques and experimental setup automation for materials research. His recent publications reveal a strong concentration on nuclear fusion applications, particularly tungsten-based composites, high entropy alloys, and thermal barrier materials that must withstand extreme reactor conditions including high heat fluxes, neutron irradiation, and thermal cycling.

As project director, he has secured approximately 4 million euros in research funding for projects related to innovative structural materials for fission and fusion applications, including the 'INNOVATIVE STRUCTURAL MATERIALS FOR FISSION AND FUSION' project. His laboratory work involves collaboration with international fusion research programs, particularly within the EUROfusion Consortium framework, where he contributes to developing materials for DEMO reactor components.

Dr. Galatanu coordinates the Applications compartment of NIMP, which focuses on translating fundamental materials research into practical engineering solutions for nuclear energy applications. His team develops and characterizes advanced materials using techniques including mechanical alloying, spark plasma sintering, and field-assisted sintering technology (FAST), with particular emphasis on improving tungsten properties for plasma-facing components in fusion reactors.