Max Schalz is a PhD student in physics and a researcher at the Nuclear Verification and Disarmament research group at RWTH Aachen University.
In his research, he develops simulation software to model fissile material stockpiles of nuclear weapon states. In particular, he combines these simulations with measurements of nuclear waste to reconstruct past fissile material production, and to verify declarations made by nuclear operators or states.
Max was awarded the INMM 2023 J. D. Williams Student Paper Award for his paper and presentation “Reconstructing Nuclear Fuel Cycle Operations with Nuclear Archaeology” and has been selected as a participant in the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.
In addition to his technical research, he frequently engages in policy work and public outreach activities.