In selecting Mike the FPA Board recognizes the leadership he has been providing over several decades to both the scientific community and to national fusion program strategic evaluation and planning efforts. The Board especially notes his role as co-chair of the 2018 National Academies study that proposed "the United States should start a national program of accompanying research and technology leading to the construction of a compact pilot plant that produces electricity from fusion at the lowest possible capital cost."

FPA Leadership Awards have been given annually since 1980 to recognize persons who have shown outstanding leadership qualities in accelerating the development of fusion as a commercial power source. A list of previous recipients can be found at http://fusionpower.org and click on Awards.

Mike can be reached at mem4@columbia.edu