Joelle Elbez-Uzan

Joëlle Elbez is the Head of Department fusion technology, innovation and design, where she oversees cross-disciplinary efforts to advance the design and realization of future fusion power plants, with a focus on engineering integration, nuclear safety, licensing, and large-scale project coordination. Her work contributes directly to the development of DEMO and fusion pilot plant, the European demonstration fusion power plant intended to produce net electricity and bridge the gap between ITER and commercial fusion energy.
Before joining EUROfusion, Joëlle held a pivotal leadership role at ITER, serving as Head of the Nuclear Safety and Licensing Division. In this capacity, she was responsible for navigating one of the most complex international nuclear licensing frameworks, ensuring ITER’s compliance with French nuclear regulations and supporting the project’s safety case development from early design stages to licensing milestones.
With a solid background in nuclear engineering, safety governance, and high-impact project management, Joëlle has more than two decades of experience in the fusion energy domain. She is particularly engaged in fostering innovation pathways that make fusion a viable, regulated, and societally accepted energy source for the future.