Boris Breizman is an expert in theoretical plasma physics. His research deals with linear and nonlinear waves in plasmas, with applications to magnetic fusion, beam-plasma interactions, space plasma, plasma-based propulsion, and laser-plasma interactions. He held the positions of Leading Scientist at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (1986-1992) and Professor at Novosibirsk State University (1981-1992). Since joining the Institute for Fusion Studies in 1993, Dr. Breizman has made significant new contributions to three important areas: wave-particle interaction in magnetically confined plasma, plasma propulsion project at NASA, and physics of laser-irradiated clusters. In 1998 the Czech Academy of Sciences awarded him its Ernst Mach Honorary Medal for Merit in the Physical Sciences. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society.

Sergei Sharapov is Principal Research Scientist at Culham Campus of UKAEA. He graduated in experimental nuclear physics from Moscow Physical Technical Institute in 1985, and did his PhD in physics and chemistry of plasmas at Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, Moscow. Subsequently, he worked at Kuchatov IAE on the theory of nonlinear waves and energetic particle-driven Alfvén waves. In 1993, he moved to work on JET and on the spherical tokamaks START and MAST, located at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, UK. Dr. Sharapov's areas of interest and expertise lie in the theory, experiment, and diagnosis of energetic particles and energetic particle-driven instabilities in magnetic fusion devices.