Alongside co-laureate Alexey Glushenkov, Mikhail Skupov addressed a series of complex scientific and engineering problems involved in developing the world’s first technology for manufacturing nitride nuclear fuel mixed uranium–plutonium nitride fuel, MNUP). The team finalized the entire testing cycle and effectively handed off the technology to industry, raising its technology readiness level to the highest stage. The accomplishments of Mikhail Skupov and Alexey Glushenkov go beyond a simple feat of engineering. It represents a strategic milestone that transforms the fundamental model of the entire nuclear energy industry. They haven’t just invented a new fuel—they’ve forged the very backbone of a future closed nuclear fuel cycle, a breakthrough capable of powering humanity’s growing demand for clean energy for thousands of years, without saddling future generations with the burden of “eternal” radioactive waste.

The VYZOV Prize is awarded for developing technology of industrial production of nitride nuclear fuel.

Bio: Mikhail Skupov was born in 1972. He graduated from Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MPEI). Since 1997, he has been working at the A.A. Bochvar High-Technology Research Institute of Inorganic Materials, where he advanced from laboratory assistant to Deputy Director General. In 2020, he was awarded a Commendation from the President of the Russian Federation for his contribution to the development of the nuclear industry and many years of dedicated professional service.

Alongside laureate Mikhail Skupov, Alexey Glushenkov tackled the toughest challenges in pioneering the world’s first technology for nitride nuclear fuel production. This new fuel type has greater density and better thermal conductivity, offering an extra margin of safety during operation. It is designed for application in next-generation BREST reactors functioning within a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The achievement of Alexey Glushenkov and Mikhail Skupov powerfully shows how bold fundamental ideas ignite breakthrough technologies that shape the very future of civilization.

The VYZOV Prize is awarded for developing technology of industrial production of nitride nuclear fuel.

Bio: Alexey Glushenkov was born in 1967. He graduated from the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI). Since 1992, he has been working at JSC VNIINM, holding positions including process engineer, senior process engineer, group head, deputy department head, and department head. He currently serves as Chief Expert at the A.A. Bochvar High-Technology Research Institute of Inorganic Materials. In 2020, he was awarded a Commendation from the President of the Russian Federation for his contribution to the development of the nuclear industry and many years of dedicated professional service.