The 28th Einstein Gala: Your Ticket to an Extraordinary Night of Science and Impact
March 21, 2026 | 5 pm
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History staff and Board of Trustees invite you to dine with us and explore our amazing silent and live auction.
The 28th Einstein Gala is not your typical evening—it is the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History’s most extraordinary night of the year. Packed with energy, elegance, and a spirit of scientific curiosity, this annual fundraiser fuels something much bigger than just a great time. Every ticket directly supports the educational programs at the Museum, helping to bring hands-on science experiences and STEM exhibits to thousands of kids and families. It’s fun with impact, and you are invited to be part of the magic.
This prestigious dress-to-impress event is the Museum’s most important fundraising event, and will be held at Sandia Resort and Casino.
ABOUT THIS YEAR'S HONOREE Kairos Power
The National Award of Nuclear Science is presented to Kairos Power for its visionary approach to the future of clean energy. True to the ancient Greek meaning of their name, Kairos recognizes that now is the "opportune moment" for action in the fight against climate change. By shifting the paradigm of nuclear engineering toward rapid iteration and robust safety testing, they are accelerating the deployment timeline for advanced reactors. From their origins in university research to their ambitious goal of a demonstration plant by 2030, Kairos Power demonstrates an unwavering commitment to enabling the world’s transition to clean energy and dramatically improving the human condition.
Accepting the Award on behalf of Kairos Power is Dr. Edward Blandford,
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer.
Dr. Blandford oversees all engineering and technology development for the KP-FHR, including hardware demonstrations, fuel infrastructure, and supply chain operations. Before co-founding Kairos, Dr. Blandford was an assistant professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of New Mexico and a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow at Stanford University. He also served as a project manager at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He holds a B.S. from UCLA and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from UC Berkeley. He currently serves on advisory boards for UNM, Texas A&M, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Proceeds from the Einstein Gala help support the Museum’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educational programs for K-12 students and professional development workshops for science and math teachers.
LIVE AUCTION
Greece and Greek Islands
Get off the beaten path on your weeklong magical escape to Greece! Soft island breezes and the crystal blue ocean await you during your stay on the sun-drenched island of Santorini. Then, on to chic Mykonos, where you might rub elbows with celebrities in cliffside cafes. In Athens, you’ll walk in the footsteps of Plato and Aristotle, as you climb the Acropolis to visit the ancient Parthenon and marvel at other architectural and historic antiquities. Airfare not included.
Scotland Legends
Escape for two to Scotland, the land of Lochs & Legends. With welcoming people, a unique culture, dramatic landscapes, romantic castles and a fascinating history, this is the perfect backdrop for your next adventure! Airfare not included.
Party at the Nuclear Museum
Host an unforgettable celebration with a 4-hour evening rental at the Nuclear Museum, complete with bar service from 312 Bar, a DJ, a two hour professional photographer, and a photo backdrop for memorable photos.
Private Dinner with Chef Israel
Enjoy an intimate culinary experience with Chef Israel Rivera, named one of Albuquerque’s top five chefs in 2025, for six people. This package includes a 4-hour private museum rental, a private dinner for six people, a selection of wine, live guitar music by RJ Perez, and a one-night stay for two at Hotel Chaco.
Santa Fe Luxury Experience
Retreat to Santa Fe with a night at the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado with breakfast for two. Your getaway also includes Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort passes, $200 to Rowley Farmhouse Ales, and two tickets to the Santa Fe Opera for an unforgettable night out.
Telluride Scenic Flight and Sandia Resort Luxury Stay
Take a breathtaking private plane scenic flight to Telluride, then unwind with a two night stay at Sandia Resort & Casino. This package also includes Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort passes for two, a Gruet wine tasting and tour for two, and a travel backpack stocked with wine glasses and a selection of wine.
Our Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Verus Research
NATIONAL AWARD SPONSORS
Pacific Fusion
STEM EDUCATION SPONSORS
Wayne & Mary Pat Laslie
Mountain West Consulting
Urenco
STEM PRESENTATION SPONSORS
Los Alamos Technical Associates
New Mexico Operations, a division of Kansas City National Security Campus
Sandia Electro-Optics Corp.
Southern Company
Linda Ann Smith, MD
TechSource
UMB Bank
STEM STUDENT AWARD SPONSOR
Harold “Hal” Behl
GALA ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORS
Allegra Carpenter Law Firm, LLC
Ralph “Skip” Brown
Robert & Suzanne Busch
Century Bank
Kairos Power
Patrick McClure
MorningStar Senior Living
New Mexico Cancer Center - New Mexico Oncology Hematology
nStone Corporation
Pulakos CPAs
John & Kristine Stichman
The National Award of Nuclear Science
The National Award of Nuclear Science is the nation's premier recognition for individuals and organizations who have made exceptional and comprehensive contributions to the nuclear field. The award celebrates excellence across the full spectrum of nuclear endeavor, acknowledging achievements in scientific discovery, engineering, industry operations, policy, and communication.
By recognizing diverse honorees—from researchers and industry leaders to policymakers and educators—the award underscores the vital, multi-faceted role that nuclear science plays in advancing human knowledge, security, energy independence, and technology.
Join us as we honor our National Award honoree (click here for past recipients) for their contributions to the nuclear world.