Timothy Abram is a Professor of Nuclear Fuel Technology at the University of Manchester, holding the Westinghouse Chair since 2008. He leads the U-Battery HTGR project and serves as Visiting Senior Research Fellow at NNL. His expertise spans nuclear fuels (MOX, ATF, TRISO) and reactor systems (gas-cooled, VHTR), with roles in IAEA, UK Government advisory boards, and the UK Nuclear Regulator’s committee. He directs the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for Nuclear Science and Engineering. Education: BSc and PhD (details unspecified). Research focuses on advanced nuclear fuels, thermal conductivity, and sustainable energy solutions, contributing to UN SDGs. Projects include molten salt reactor research (Radiochemical Facilities, DAWNMANTLE) and waste minimization strategies. Over 15 EU projects and 72 research outputs demonstrate his global impact. Awards: Not explicitly listed. Collaborations include international networks in nuclear innovation and material science. Advising roles include external examiner for Royal Navy and Cambridge MPhil programs.
Benoit Forget is the Korea Electric Power Professor of Nuclear Engineering and the Department Head of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT. He joined MIT in 2008 and leads the MIT Computational Reactor Physics Group (CRPG), which focuses on advancing computational methods for reactor simulation. His research spans Monte Carlo and deterministic transport methods, multiphysics coupling, and uncertainty quantification. He co-developed OpenMC and OpenMOC, open-source tools for reactor analysis. Forget holds a PhD from Georgia Tech and has received awards including the 2013 Landis Young Member Engineering Achievement Award. He teaches courses such as 22.05 Neutron Science and Reactor Physics, and actively contributes to MIT’s computational science initiatives. Educations: PhD in Nuclear Engineering (Georgia Tech, 2006), MS and BS in Energy Engineering (École Polytechnique de Montréal, 2003). Research Interests: Computational reactor physics, radiative transport, high-performance computing, Monte Carlo and deterministic methods, multiphysics coupling, nuclear data uncertainty. Labs/Teams: MIT Computational Reactor Physics Group (CRPG), Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL).
Andreas Pautz is a Full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Basic Sciences, Institute of Physics, and the Laboratory of Reactor Physics and Systems Behaviour (LRS). He also contributes to educational leadership through his role in EDEY - Enseignement under AVP-DLE-EDOC. His office is located at PH D3 465, Building PH, Station 3, Lausanne, Switzerland, and he can be reached via email at andreas.pautz@epfl.ch or by phone at +41 56 310 34 97. His research focuses on nuclear reactor physics, reactor systems behavior, neutron interactions, computational modeling of nuclear reactors, and the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. As head of the LRS laboratory, he leads a team dedicated to advancing the understanding of reactor design and fuel cycle optimization. Prof. Pautz is deeply involved in graduate education, supervising numerous PhD students and teaching core courses such as Physics of Nuclear Reactors, Nuclear Computations Lab, and Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants. He also contributes to international education through the Frédéric Joliot / Otto Hahn Summer School on Nuclear Reactors Physics, Fuels and Systems. He has successfully supervised over 20 PhD theses at EPFL, indicating a long-standing and active role in doctoral education. His academic advising spans topics in reactor physics, computational methods, and nuclear safety. His laboratory, LRS (https://lrs.epfl.ch/), serves as a hub for research and training in nuclear reactor systems. The group engages in both theoretical and experimental aspects of reactor physics, aiming to address modern challenges in nuclear energy sustainability and safety. Professor, Laboratory of Reactor Physics and Systems Behaviour (LRS), EPFL SB IPHYS Professor, EDEY - Enseignement, EPFL VPA-AVP-DLE AVP-DLE-EDOC
R. Edwin García is a Professor at the School of Materials Engineering at Purdue University, where he has been faculty since 2005. He holds appointments in the Materials Engineering department within Purdue's College of Engineering, specifically in the School of Materials Engineering located in the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering at Purdue's West Lafayette campus. His educational background includes: B.S. in Physics from the National University of Mexico (1996) M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2000) Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003) Professor García's research focuses on the design of materials and devices through the development of a fundamental understanding of the solid state physics of individual phases, their short and long range interactions, and associated microstructural properties and time evolution. His current research emphasizes establishing relationships between material properties and resultant performance and degradation in electrochemical systems. He integrates computational approaches ranging from kinetic Monte Carlo, phase field and level set methods, to finite elements, finite volumes, and symbolic computing. His work particularly addresses microstructure design, crystallographic texture, and grain boundary science and engineering to control the topology of underlying phases and establish practical relations between processing, microstructure, and material properties. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on lithium-ion battery technology, ferroelectric materials, and computational modeling of material behaviors. The research trends show increasing integration of machine learning with traditional computational methods, exploration of novel sintering techniques like flash sintering, and deeper investigation into the fundamental mechanisms of material degradation in energy storage systems. His work spans multiple length scales from atomistic to continuum modeling, reflecting a comprehensive approach to materials design and analysis. Professor García teaches several courses including MSE 230 (Structure and Properties of Materials), MSE 350 (Thermodynamics of Materials), MSE 597G (Modeling and Simulation of Materials), MSE 597I (Introduction to Computational Materials), and MSE 597N (Physical Properties of Crystals). He mentors graduate students in areas related to computational materials science, battery technology, and microstructural evolution. His research group, the Laboratory of Computational Microstructures, focuses on developing home-grown analytical theories and algorithms to resolve relevant time and length scales in materials systems. The group's work has significant implications for portable power sources, including rechargeable batteries and fuel cells, as well as for ferroelectric ceramic applications.
Dane Morgan is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Engineering. His research focuses on computational materials science for materials design, including ab initio electronic structure modeling, multiscale methods, and machine learning applications in materials discovery. His work spans nuclear materials, battery and fuel cell electrodes, and electronic materials. Education : PhD, 1998, University of California, Berkeley MS, 1994, University of California, Berkeley BA, 1992, Swarthmore College Research Interests : Computational materials science, ab initio methods for electronic structure and thermokinetics, machine learning for materials discovery, electrochemical systems modeling, and applications in nuclear materials, batteries, and electronic materials. His work integrates advanced computational techniques with experimental validation. Scientific Awards : 2024 APL Materials, Editors Pick 2023 Microscopy and Microanalysis Best Paper Award (Instrumentation and Software category) 2023 IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science Best Paper Award 2023 Kellet Mid-Career Award 2015 TMS Materials Genome Initiative Ambassador 2006 3M Technical Nontenured Faculty Grant
Alessandro Petruzzi is an Industry Professor in the Department of Engineering Physics at McMaster University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on nuclear engineering and reactor physics, particularly in thermal hydraulics and uncertainty analysis for nuclear installations. McMaster University, College of Engineering, Department of Engineering Physics Academic Rank: Industry Professor Petruzzi's scholarly work includes contributions to nuclear reactor safety analysis and computational methods. His 2014 publication on OECD-NEA PSBT benchmarks and 2009 study on void fraction uncertainty in BWR fuel bundles highlight expertise in nuclear reactor design and thermal-hydraulic modeling. Research trends emphasize computational reactor physics, safety assessment methodologies (e.g., CIAU), and uncertainty quantification in nuclear systems. While no specific awards are listed, his work aligns with advanced nuclear engineering practices.
Simo Hostikka is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Aalto University's School of Engineering. His research focuses on fire safety engineering , utilizing numerical fire simulations to address critical challenges in building and infrastructure safety. Key Expertise: Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) development, thermal radiation heat transfer, pyrolysis modeling, fire toxicity calculations, and probabilistic risk analysis. Leadership: Supervises advanced fire safety research and contributes to international fire safety standards. Research Trends: Recent publications emphasize fire toxicity modeling , hydrogen fire safety , radiation heat transfer , and fire retardancy of polymeric materials . His work bridges computational methods with real-world fire safety applications. Scientific Awards: Philip Thomas Medal of Excellence (2008, 2005) Sjölin Award (2012) Interflam Trophy (2007) Harmathy Award (2020, 2019) Dean’s Award for Best MSc Thesis (2020) Best Paper in Rakenteiden Mekaniikka (2009) Advising: Supervised Topi Sikanen, who received the Young Talent Award from the International Water Mist Association.
Robert O. Ritchie is the H. T. & Jessie Chua Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where he holds dual appointments as Professor of Materials Science & Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He is also a Faculty Senior Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. His distinguished career spans over four decades with significant contributions to the field of materials science and engineering. Professor Ritchie received his B.A. in Physics & Metallurgy (1969), M.A. in Materials Science (1973), Ph.D. in Materials Science (1973), and Sc.D. in Materials Science (1990), all from Cambridge University, UK. His research focuses on the mechanical behavior of advanced materials, with particular emphasis on fracture mechanics, fatigue properties, and damage tolerance. Professor Ritchie's work spans multiple domains including metallic glasses, high-entropy alloys, biomaterials, and nature-inspired structural materials. His laboratory employs cutting-edge techniques such as in situ high-temperature computed tomography to study failure mechanisms in ceramic-matrix composites and nuclear graphite. His research has significant implications for aerospace, biomedical, and energy applications. Analysis of Professor Ritchie's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced structural materials, particularly metallic glasses and high-entropy alloys. His work combines experimental approaches with computational modeling to understand deformation mechanisms at multiple length scales. There is a clear trend toward bioinspired materials design, with several papers examining natural structures like fish scales, horn sheaths, and bone to develop new engineering materials with exceptional mechanical properties. Member, National Academy of Sciences (2025) Foreign Fellow, Academy of Athens, Greece (2024) Robert Henry Thurston Award (ASME) (2022) ASM Gold Medal (ASM Intl.) (2021) William D. Nix Medal, inaugural winner (TMS) (2020) Fellow (Foreign Member) of the Royal Society (FRS), London, UK (2017) Morris Cohen Award (TMS) (2017) Acta Materialia Gold Medal (2014) David Turnbull Award (MRS) (2013) A. Cemel Eringen Medal (Society of Engineering Science) (2010) Professor Ritchie has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers throughout his career. His research has been supported by various funding agencies including the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and industry partners such as Rolls-Royce. He has served on numerous advisory boards including the Rolls-Royce Materials & Structures Advisory Board (2011-2019) and the Scientific Advisory Board of the Advanced Light Source at LBNL (2013 to date). Professor Ritchie leads the Ritchie Group at UC Berkeley, which maintains strong collaborations with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The laboratory employs state-of-the-art techniques including electron microscopy, x-ray tomography, and mechanical testing across multiple length and time scales. His team has developed innovative in situ characterization methods that have significantly advanced the understanding of material failure mechanisms under extreme conditions.
Filip Johnsson is a Full Professor in Energy Technology at Chalmers University of Technology, where he leads research on measures to reduce the climate impact of the energy system. His work addresses both technical issues regarding electricity and heat production and how the entire energy system can be transformed by 2050 through technical-economic studies. Professor Johnsson's research spans multiple critical areas in the transition to sustainable energy systems: Energy Systems Analysis: Comprehensive modeling of energy systems to identify cost-effective pathways for decarbonization Industrial Decarbonization: Electrification of energy-intensive industries and carbon capture technologies Renewable Energy Integration: Grid stability, storage needs, and system flexibility with high shares of variable renewables Transportation Electrification: Real-world EV usage patterns and infrastructure requirements Fluidized Bed Technology: Advanced combustion and carbon capture processes Energy Policy: Critical analysis of Swedish and European climate policies and implementation strategies Johnsson's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on practical, implementable solutions for deep decarbonization across multiple sectors. His recent work shows increasing emphasis on industrial decarbonization pathways, grid integration challenges with high renewable shares, and critical evaluation of policy mechanisms. The research often employs technical-economic modeling approaches, combining engineering analysis with economic evaluation to identify cost-optimal pathways for climate mitigation. Professor Johnsson actively engages with Swedish energy policy debates, contributing to public discourse through newspaper articles and government reports. His work frequently addresses the practical implementation challenges of Sweden's ambitious climate goals, particularly regarding industrial decarbonization and grid infrastructure requirements.
Angela Di Fulvio is an Associate Professor and Donald Biggar Willett Faculty Scholar at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding joint appointments in the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering and the Center for Digital Agriculture at NCSA. She leads the Nuclear Measurement Laboratory (NML), focusing on radiation detection technologies for nonproliferation, medical physics, and nuclear security. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Safety from the University of Pisa (2012), preceded by M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Bioengineering. Her research emphasizes neutron detection instrumentation, radiation protection in therapy, and safeguards applications. Key areas include next-generation thermal neutron detectors, boron neutron capture therapy dosimetry, and spent nuclear fuel imaging. She has pioneered work on pulse shape discrimination using commercial ASICs and developed algorithms for neutron-gamma discrimination in harsh environments. Di Fulvio’s 15+ peer-reviewed articles span advanced detection systems, Monte Carlo modeling, and machine learning for radiation imaging. Notable contributions include a physics-based forward model for spent fuel imaging and variational autoencoder-based pulse discrimination. Her work has been recognized with the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research. Professional roles include Associate Editor of Radiation Measurements and editorial board member of Nature Scientific Reports . She chairs APS’s Instrumentation and Measurement Science group and ANS’s Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy Division. Recent courses taught include NPRE 451-452 labs, Nuclear Safeguards, and Student Research Seminars.
Oliver Schmitz is a Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he leads research in plasma edge physics for magnetic confinement fusion and next-generation particle accelerators. His work bridges experimental plasma science, computational modeling, and diagnostic development with applications in both tokamaks and stellarators. Education: PhD (2006), Heinrich-Heine-Universität Diploma (2003), Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Professor Schmitz's research focuses on 3D plasma edge transport phenomena, plasma-wall interactions, and helicon plasma generation for wakefield accelerators. His group employs advanced computational tools like EMC3-EIRENE for 3D plasma edge modeling and develops active spectroscopic diagnostics to measure plasma parameters through atomic emission analysis. Key themes include resonant magnetic perturbation effects in tokamaks, inherent 3D physics in stellarators, and high-density plasma sustainment for accelerator applications. He actively develops atomic models to interpret spectroscopic data and operates helicon plasma test stands for fundamental process studies. Recent publications reveal strong emphasis on experimental-computational integration for fusion boundary physics, with significant contributions to ITER divertor solutions, stellarator exhaust optimization, and plasma-facing materials. The work shows growing focus on wakefield accelerator diagnostics through helicon plasma sources and advanced spectroscopy, alongside persistent innovation in 3D modeling of plasma-material interfaces. Scientific Awards: 2020 Thomas and Suzanne Werner Chair Professorship 2018 UW Madison Teaching Academy Fellow 2017 ITER Science Fellowship & Vilas Mid-Career Award 2015 DOE Early Career Award & NSF CAREER Award 2011 Torkil Jensen Award (General Atomics) 2007 Günther-Leibfried-Preis (Jülich) Professor Schmitz directs multiple DOE/NSF-funded research programs including his UW Madison laboratory and AWAKE project contributions at CERN. He mentors graduate students through NE 890/990 thesis research courses and has developed nationally recognized K-12 outreach including the "Plasma Show" for elementary schools and "Plasma Academy" for high-school educators developing AP Physics curriculum modules. His leadership extends to university governance through the Kaufman seminar on academic leadership. His research group operates helicon plasma test stands and computational facilities for EMC3-EIRENE simulations, with current efforts focused on high-density plasma sources for accelerators and resilient divertor solutions for stellarators. The group maintains strong international collaborations with ITER, CERN, and major fusion facilities worldwide.
Syed Bahauddin Alam is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in the Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering department. He holds appointments in the Grainger College of Engineering and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). His research focuses on AI-driven digital twins, uncertainty quantification, and cybersecurity for nuclear systems. Education: B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), 2011 MPhil in Nuclear Energy, University of Cambridge, 2013 PhD in Nuclear Engineering, University of Cambridge, 2018 Research Interests: AI and Digital Twins for Nuclear Energy Multiscale Modeling with Uncertainty Quantification Cybersecurity for Nuclear Systems Sensors and Instrumentation for Reactor Monitoring His work emphasizes explainable AI (XAI), physics-informed machine learning, and robust design optimization. Key contributions include AI-powered digital twins for nuclear systems, which received global media coverage and top 5% Altmetric scores. Awards & Honors: 2025 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research (UIUC) 2024 Illinois Innovation Award Finalist 2022-2021 Outstanding Teaching Award (Missouri S&T) 2017 Cambridge Philosophical Society Research Studentship Award Grants & Funding: $700,000 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Distinguished Faculty Development Award (2024) $2 million DOE grant for nuclear fuel storage solutions (2023) $500,000 NRC R&D Grant (2024) Labs & Teams: Leads the MARTIANS Lab (Machine Learning and ARTificial Intelligence for Advancing Nuclear Systems), focusing on hybrid data-physics-driven AI and explainable machine learning for nuclear engineering challenges.
Jacob Østergaard is a Professor and Head of the Division for Power and Energy Systems at DTU Wind and Energy Systems, Technical University of Denmark. His research focuses on renewable energy systems, offshore wind power hubs, and quantum computing applications in energy systems. He leads initiatives like EnergyLab Nordhavn and PowerLabDK, emphasizing collaboration between academia and industry. Education: MSc in Electrical Engineering from DTU (1989–1995). External positions include roles at Research Institute of the Danish Electric Utilities and Ørsted (now SK Energy). Research Interests: Power system stability, flexibility markets, offshore wind energy, quantum computing in energy systems, Power-to-X, and energy storage. He advocates for integrated, market-based energy systems to achieve the green transition. Publications highlight quantum computing for grid optimization, offshore energy hubs, and Denmark’s energy island strategy. Recent work emphasizes scientific advice for energy policy and green hydrogen production. Awards: A. Angelo’s Prize (1996), AEG Electron Prize (2007), Danish Design Award (2019), and EU RESponsible Island Prize (2020). Advising and Grants: Supervises PhD students in grid integration and control. Active in projects like OEH (Offshore Energy Hubs) and BOSS (Battery Energy Storage System). His work drives Denmark’s energy policy through roles on Energinet’s board and the Danish Energy Commission. Labs/Teams: Leads PowerLabDK and EnergyLab Nordhavn, experimental facilities for smart grid and energy system research.
Paul Dodds is Professor of Energy Systems at University College London's Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources, where he holds joint appointments at the UCL Energy Institute and the Institute for Sustainable Resources. He serves as the Faculty Graduate Tutor for the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, overseeing all doctoral research programs. His academic progression at UCL has been steady, moving from Research Associate (2011-2014) to Senior Research Associate (2014-2015), Lecturer (2015-2016), Senior Lecturer (2016-2018), Associate Professor (2018-2020), and finally to Professor. His educational background includes a PhD from the University of Leeds (2010) focused on climate change and agriculture in Senegal, where he developed a new crop model for adaptation research and created detailed meteorological datasets for West Africa. He also holds a Master of Natural Science (Honours) from the University of Nottingham (2000). Dodds specializes in energy systems modelling with particular expertise in hydrogen and bioenergy systems, and the importance of energy storage. His research examines the interactions between society and the environment, with a focus on energy and food systems. He has developed the UK TIMES energy systems model, which has replaced the UK MARKAL model and is now co-developed with the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). This model has provided underpinning evidence for the UK's Clean Growth Strategy and Net Zero Strategy. His methodological contributions include formalizing a theoretical approach to analyzing the evolution of energy system models using 'model archaeology'. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on hydrogen energy systems, with multiple papers examining hydrogen trade pathways, integration methods, and environmental impacts. His work increasingly addresses the geopolitical dimensions of energy transition, as seen in studies about Russian gas pivots to Asia and global energy scenarios. He maintains expertise in energy system modeling techniques while expanding into practical applications for policy development, particularly regarding the UK's net-zero transition. Dodds has supervised 15 PhD students at UCL, with eight under his primary supervision. His professional activities include serving as the UK Alternate Delegate to IEA Hydrogen since 2017, acting as a PhD External Examiner at the University of Edinburgh, and participating in the EPSRC Peer Review College. He has contributed to multiple government initiatives, including the UKERC Future of the Gas Networks workshop and representing the UK Government at IEA ETSAP meetings. He teaches an undergraduate module on 'Energy and Environmental Systems Modelling' and guest lectures on several MSc courses. His research group focuses on energy system modeling, with particular emphasis on the UK TIMES model development and application. His work often involves collaboration with government bodies, particularly BEIS, and he has coordinated significant projects like seven reports on overshoot pathways for the UK Government.
Dimitrios Tsaoulidis is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey and an Honorary Lecturer at University College London . He holds a PhD in Chemical/Nuclear Engineering and a Diploma in Chemical Engineering. University roles: Academic Integrity Officer, Senior Personal Tutor, Disability & Neurodiversity Representative Research spans clean energy (nuclear, bio, solar), healthcare (bioprocess scalability), and manufacturing using process intensification and microfluidics . His work combines experimental investigation , CFD simulations , and scale-up optimization for multiphase reactors . Notable research trends include: 15+ publications (2012–2023) on uranium extraction , biodiesel production , and pharmaceutical microfluidics , with grants from UKRI and Innovate UK . Scientific Awards : David Newton’s Award for Sustainability (UCL) Springer Thesis Award Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Associate Member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (AMIChemE) Research Collaborations : Academic : Prof Panagiota Angeli (UCL), Prof Eric Fraga (UCL), Dr Maryam Parhizkar (UCL) Industrial : UK Atomic Energy Authority, National Nuclear Laboratory, GSK, Greenergy Ltd, Armfield Dr Tsaoulidis supervises PhD students (e.g., Mustapha Hamdan, Anna Tsitouridou) and PDRA staff (e.g., Dr Jamshid Zarkesh) in projects related to solar energy systems , nuclear fuel cycles , and pharmaceutical automation .
