Ashot Sarkisov
Marine energy and the science of safety
Ashot Sarkisov was a scientist and naval engineer of Armenian descent, born in Tashkent in 1924. His career brought together naval service, mathematical education and research into energy systems.
His principal concerns were the reliability and safety of marine nuclear power plants. He investigated their behaviour under changing operating conditions and trained generations of engineers and researchers.
Later, he worked on the safe decommissioning of retired nuclear-fleet facilities and environmental rehabilitation. Sarkisov died in 2022. His legacy highlights the connection between developing large technological systems and accepting responsibility for their long-term consequences.