Martin Marchena

Background

About Martin Marchena

Regarding my academic background, I graduated as a Materials Engineer and obtained a PhD in Nuclear Technology from UNSAM (Universidad Nacional de San Martin). Currently, I work as a Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA, where I handle projects related to the Long-Term Operation of Nuclear Power Plants. My main responsibility is to provide support to member states' governments, utilities, and regulatory authorities; conducting peer review missions and technical support and assistance missions. I also participate in the development of safety standards and work on the implementation of technical cooperation programs. From 2007 to 2019, I worked at the Argentinean Nuclear Energy Agency (CNEA), focusing on the development of aging management programs for structures and components of nuclear power plants. During this time, I primarily focused on optimizing maintenance programs and managing degradation mechanisms such as corrosion, fatigue, thermal effects, and radiation embrittlement. I conducted failure root cause analyses and performed activities related to material testing and qualification. Additionally, I have participated in international experience sharing groups, such as IGALL, and other international projects. In my last position, I served as the head of the Technical Assistance and Services to NPPs Department, where I coordinated a multidisciplinary team of nearly 30 engineers. Prior to my work in the nuclear industry, I spent several years in the metallurgy department of Tenaris, where I focused on the development and optimization of fabrication processes for tubular products used in the oil and gas industry. I specifically studied the influence of these processes on corrosion behavior. In addition to my professional work in the industry, I held the position of Adjunct Professor of Material Science at the University of San Martin and the Universidad Technologic National. I also taught physics in the Engineering Faculty of Buenos Aires University, and I have delivered several courses on materials science and materials degradation mechanisms for personnel in the nuclear industry. Fields of Interest: Nuclear Safety, Long Term Operation of NPPs, Material Science, Degradation mechanisms, and aging management of structures and components in the nuclear industry.