Co-Chair: Ondrej Benes

Dr. Ondrej Benes obtained a PhD in 2008 from the Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague, completing the research while working at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Karlsruhe. Following this, he pursued a one-year postdoctoral fellowship at CEA, Saclay, further expanding expertise in nuclear materials.

Since 2009, Dr. Benes has served as a full-time scientific officer at JRC Karlsruhe, focusing on the investigation of nuclear fuels. In 2025, he was appointed sector head within the Nuclear Science and Innovation for Energy and Health unit, leading research, development, and assessment of nuclear fuel behavior. In this role, he contributes to strategic initiatives in energy, with a particular focus on the safety of innovative nuclear reactors, including Small Modular Reactors.

Throughout his career, Dr. Benes has established himself as a recognized expert in the field of molten salt reactors, contributing to both scientific research and applied technological development.