The Commission selected Gary Alan Benda to receive the 2025 Richard S. Hodes Award. Mr. Benda has been the face and leader of radioactive waste and material management through his involvement with the various international organizations, committees, and conferences, especially with the annual Waste Management Symposia (WMS). His dedication in leading the development of the conference’s technical program combined with his extensive technical knowledge of radioactive waste and material management has resulted in making WMS the premier international conference to present and exchange technical knowledge and ideas. Most recently, he has championed WMS efforts to provide education and support via a STEM initiative that benefits national and international students and educators who are interested in radioactive waste management.
