General Atomics

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 20, 2026)—A senior scientist at General Atomics has earned national recognition for helping to shape the way fusion devices are operated worldwide.

Adrianus “George” Sips, senior director at General Atomics, was honored recently by the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics for his contributions to fusion science, particularly his pioneering work in tokamak scenario development. This field of study establishes how fusion devices are safely and efficiently operated, helping advance magnetic fusion from experimental research toward practical energy systems.

Fusion, the process that powers the sun, is widely viewed as a potential source of virtually unlimited, sustainable energy. Achieving this vision requires scientists to heat, confine and control plasma, an ultra-hot soup of charged particles, inside a device such as a tokamak. Developing the expertise and technology needed to maintain stable, long-duration plasma conditions remains one of the greatest challenges in fusion research.

For more than 35 years, Sips has led research and operations teams at major tokamak facilities around the world to address this challenge. His work focuses on how plasma is created, shaped, controlled and safely terminated, while continuously refining operating techniques that improve performance and reliability. Considered one of the most technically demanding aspects of magnetic fusion research, tokamak scenario development is critical for achieving long-duration, high-performance plasma conditions and for avoiding disruptions that can damage equipment or halt experiments.

“This is truly an honor, and I am deeply grateful to be recognized by the fusion research community,” said George Sips, senior director of operations at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility. “I share this award with the many scientists, engineers and technicians I have worked alongside throughout my career, whose collaboration and dedication have helped us tackle the immense challenge of understanding fusion and how to harness its power.”

Since 2020, Sips has led the operations division at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, the nation’s largest magnetic fusion user facility. Operated by General Atomics for the U.S. Department of Energy, DIII-D supports hundreds of scientists each year and plays a central role in advancing fusion science for future power plants. In his current role, Sips oversees day-to-day tokamak operations, maintenance and upgrades, helping the facility meet annual run-time goals while enabling experiments that inform the design of next-generation fusion devices.

“George has spent his career solving some of fusion’s most complex challenges,” said Wayne Solomon, vice president of Magnetic Fusion Energy for the General Atomics Energy Group. “This recognition reflects not only the depth of his scientific contributions, but also his commitment to mentoring teams, building capabilities and moving fusion energy closer to practical reality.”

The APS Fellowship Program recognizes members who have made significant advances in physics—through original research, innovative applications, or exceptional contributions to teaching and leadership. Selection as an APS Fellow is a distinct honor; fewer than half of one percent of the Society’s membership is elected to Fellowship each year.

For more information about GA and DIII-D fusion energy research, visit ga.com/energy-systems-and-products and https://d3dfusion.org/.

About General Atomics
Since the dawn of the atomic age, General Atomics innovations have advanced the state of the art across the full spectrum of science and technology – from nuclear energy and defense to medicine and high-performance computing. Behind a talented global team of scientists, engineers, and professionals, GA’s unique experience and capabilities continue to deliver safe, sustainable, economical, and innovative solutions to meet growing global demands.

Media Contact:
Andrew James
Communications Lead
General Atomics Energy Group 
andrew.james@ga.com