Carlos Varandas re-elected Euratom STC Chairman
Professor Carlos Varandas, a founding member of IPFN and former IPFN president (2008-2012), has been re-elected as Chairman of the Scientific and Technical Committee (STC) of the Euratom Treaty. This nomination, announced on 4 November 2024, marks his second term in this position.The STC, established under the Euratom Treaty in 1957, serves as a cornerstone of the European Atomic Energy Community's governance. Comprising leading experts from across Europe, the Committee provides strategic scientific and technical advice to the European Commission and the Euratom Council. The Committee's responsibilities include offering independent insights on nuclear energy and safety, addressing topics such as nuclear research and development, safety standards and regulations, environmental impact assessments, and advancements in nuclear technology.
Born in Pinheiro de Coja, municipality of Tábua, Professor Carlos Varandas is a leading figure in nuclear fusion research and one of the founding members of IPFN. Over the course of his career, he led several projects, including the Euratom Association Contract and the ISTTOK Tokamak, which established Portugal’s presence in international fusion research. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering (1974), a Ph.D. in Physics (1984), and an aggregation in Technological Physics Engineering (1996) from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST/UTL).
At IST, he served as Coordinator of the Technological Physics Engineering program and the Master’s in Physics, teaching courses such as Plasma Physics, Nuclear Energy, Diagnostic Techniques, Digital Instrumentation, and Science and Technology Management. He also contributed to the accreditation of the Technological Physics Engineering program by the Order of Engineers. His work has been recognized with honors as a Grand Officer of the Order of Infante Dom Henrique and Medals of Merit for Science from the MCTES and the Municipality of Tábua.