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 black-tie event is the Museum’s most important fundraising event, and will be held at Sandia Resort and Casino.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Want your brand to fuel curiosity and make a real impact? Sponsor the Einstein Gala! It’s more than a big night—it’s a bold way to support hands-on science, spark future innovators, and show the community you believe in access to education for all.
Contact Jennifer Galloway, Director of Development, or call 505-245-2137 ext. 110
ABOUT THIS YEAR'S HONOREE
The 2026 Award of Nuclear Science & History honoree is 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 Blanford, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Kairos Power.
Dr. Blanford 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.
Our Sponsors
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.