Invited Speakers

Claire Gallery-Strong has developed her career working across a variety of sectors including pharma, environmental and nuclear. Currently Director for Corporate Services at  Nuclear Waste Services. Her portfolio focusses on introduction of new technologies as well as addressing system improvements in the waste lifecycle. Graduating from NUI Galway, Ireland, she moved to the UK to develop in the field of chemistry. Following an interest in analytical sciences, she studied an MSc at Kings College London and more recently an MBA at Henley Business School. Her nuclear experience spans roles from nuclear operations, project, programme and portfolio management through to developing radioactive waste strategies. Her projects include the return to service of THORP (reprocessing fuels)  following a significant pipework failure and radioactive leak, She has developed her leadership capabilities directing engineering and science programmes. In her volunteering capacity she regenerated the Young Generation Network in 2000 and built a sustainability plan to enable a thriving network.  She has been recognised for her contribution to the field of science and engineering through an appointment as Honorary Treasurer, a Trustee for the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Dr. Maria Wallenius has a PhD in radiochemistry from the University of Helsinki, Finland. Some 25 years ago, she moved to European Commission's Joint Research Centre in Karlsruhe, Germany. Maria has been involved in various R&D, capacity building and project management activities related to nuclear forensics and nuclear security in general. Currently, she is the acting Head of Nuclear Safeguards and Security Unit, and the co-chair of the Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group (ITWG).