Event report
FACC PNW Sessions at Seattle’s French Fest - Recap
The FACC PNW brought together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators for a series of insightful discussions during Seattle’s French Fest.
Organized by four committees—High Tech, Energy, Aerospace, and Life Sciences—the FACC PNW Sessions explored cutting-edge advancements and Transatlantic collaborations in sustainability, clean energy, and public health.
High Tech Committee: Decarbonization & Domestic Graphite Production
Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek and Makoto Hamamoto Eyre, founder of Homeostasis, delivered an eye-opening discussion on carbon capture technologies and the urgent need for a domestic source of graphite. With the global battery industry heavily reliant on Chinese graphite, geopolitical tensions highlight the necessity of alternative supply chains. As graphite is a critical component in devices ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles, their insights underscored the importance of sustainable and local solutions. For more key takeaways, check out Dr. Palmiter’s podcast episode here.
Energy Committee: The Role of Nuclear in a Clean Energy Future
The Energy Committee’s panel highlighted nuclear energy’s pivotal role in Washington State’s decarbonization strategy. Dr. Jim Conca, advisor to the WA State Legislature’s Nuclear Energy Caucus, positioned nuclear power as both a climate solution and a global equity tool, ensuring reliable electricity access worldwide. Stephen Mazurkiewicz of Framatome emphasized the necessity of domestic nuclear fuel production to sustain the energy grid and accelerate next-generation reactor deployment. Discussions tackled key concerns surrounding nuclear safety, waste management, and costs, while also drawing lessons from France’s centralized waste policy. The panel made it clear: Washington’s nuclear expertise, combined with Franco-American collaboration, can drive the clean energy transition forward.
Aerospace Committee: Innovations in Sustainable Aviation
This year’s Aerospace Committee session spotlighted groundbreaking sustainability initiatives in aviation and space. Janique Francis (Amazon Air), Dr. Erika Wagner (The Exploration Company), and Dr. Youcef Abdelli explored the latest advancements in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), electric propulsion, and space-based R&D. While SAF adoption is gradually increasing, electric aircraft propulsion remains in the development and certification phase, holding immense potential for industry-wide decarbonization. Satellite technology is already proving instrumental in climate monitoring and agricultural sustainability. Franco-American partnerships continue to play a leading role in pushing aerospace sustainability forward.
Life Sciences & WAVE Committee: Climate Change & Public Health
The intersection of climate change and public health took center stage during this discussion. Experts Dr. Kristie Ebi, Marion Avril, and Curt Malloy examined how shifting climate patterns are altering disease landscapes, expanding the reach of vector-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease. Dr. Ebi emphasized the importance of early warning systems and risk assessment tools like the Climate and Health Risk Tool. Marion Avril provided insight into vaccine development strategies adapting to new disease threats, while Curt Malloy shared HDT Bio’s pioneering work on thermostable vaccines designed for rapidly changing health challenges. The session reinforced the urgency of climate-responsive public health strategies.
Looking Ahead
Seattle’s French Fest proved to be a federating enabler for knowledge-sharing and cross-industry collaboration. The discussions underscored the importance of technological innovation, policy adaptation, and international partnerships in tackling today’s most pressing global challenges. The FACC PNW continues to foster dialogue and action, bridging the gap between science, industry, and policy to create a sustainable future through the activity of our current 6 Committees: Aerospace, Education, High Tech & Innovation, Life Sciences, Energy & WAVE.
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