Dr. Irina Gaus is Head of Research and Development at Nagra, after holding the position of Project Manager Geosciences in the International Services and Projects Division for 7 years. Trained as a geologist with a specialisation in hydrogeology at the University of Ghent (Belgium) Irina’s expertise developed in the areas of coupled processes, conceptualisation of geological data, groundwater circulation, geostatistics as well as carbon capture and storage through employment with the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the French Geological Survey (BRGM). This expertise then expanded into various areas of radioactive waste management, including THMC behaviour of engineered and natural barrier systems and RD&D strategy and management. Since 2019, Irina has served as Chair of the IGD-TP ( Implementing Geological Disposal of radioactive waste Technology Platform).