The panel, chaired by Prof. Jeffrey Freidberg of MIT, began its work in June 2009 and also held a three day workshop September 30-October 2, 2009. About 100 scientists and engineers from the fusion and fission communities participated in the workshop. The names of the panel members and workshop attendees are listed in the report.

The report states that "a fusion-fission hybrid consists of a neutron-producing fusion core surrounded by a fission blanket" and notes that "hybrids are of interest because of their potential to address the main long-term sustainability issues related to nuclear power: fuel supply, energy production, and waste management." The report concludes that "a fusion-fission hybrid could contribute to all components of nuclear power: fuel supply, electricity production, and waste management."

The report lists two high-level research needs: (1) "a side-by-side systems analysis comparison of proposed pure fission and fusion-fission hybrid solutions" using "comparable assumptions" and (2) restarting fusion engineering and technology programs in the DOE Office of Fusion Energy Sciences. "Without strong fusion engineering and technology programs, the United States will continue to be unable to have a defined timetable for a fusion power plant and thus will fall further behind our international colleagues," the report concludes.