Director of Nuclear Energy Innovation at the Breakthrough Institute.
Adam Stein leads high-stakes research and policy strategy as Director of Nuclear Energy Innovation at the Breakthrough Institute. His work sits at the intersection of technology, risk, economics, and regulation — identifying the real barriers to nuclear deployment and developing actionable solutions that can move from paper to practice.
He has contributed to multiple technology innovations, served on the National Academies committee for Pathways to New Nuclear Development, and is a recognized voice in reshaping the NRC's regulatory framework to enable the next generation of clean energy technology.
Adam holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, where his doctoral research focused on transforming emergency preparedness decision-making for nuclear facilities using structured decision-making and multi-criteria analysis. He also holds an MBA, degrees in both Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, and a Driving Strategic Innovation Certificate from the Wharton School.
Over more than two decades in the energy sector, Adam has worn many hats: engineer, researcher, consultant, and policy architect. His career has taken him across the nuclear industry — from technical risk assessment to regulatory strategy to public advocacy — always with a focus on what it actually takes to build clean energy at scale.
At the Breakthrough Institute, he built a team producing research and policy analysis that solves root cause problems and shapes the national conversation on nuclear energy. His publications span probabilistic risk assessment, regulatory architecture, advanced reactor cost analysis, and fuel cycle policy.
Adam serves as an emergency first responder and assistant band director for a local school district — a percussionist who brings the same discipline, creativity, and commitment to music that he brings to policy. He believes that good judgment is built in the field as much as in the library.