Tom Weaver holds a B.S. in Physics from the California Institute of Technology, and a PhD in Physics from UC Berkeley.

He is well known for his pioneering research in understanding the evolution of massive stars and supernova, as well as the production of the chemical elements in such stars and the design of and demonstration of x-ray lasers. He has received many honors for his work, including the Department of Energy’s E.O. Lawrence Award.

He worked for 28 years in the Physics Department at the University of California's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where in addition to his research, he served as the Leader of the X-ray Laser Program and the General Studies Division Leader. His current research interests have expanded to include theoretical biology and an exploration of the evolution and nature of complex systems, mind/brain operation and the associated phenomena of consciousness.

For almost his entire professional life, he has been associated with the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, first as a Hertz Graduate Fellow, and later as a Member of the Board of Directors, Senior Fellowship Interviewer, and Chairman of the Fellowship Selection Committee. He has directed the selection of Hertz Fellows whose research spans the range from the physical and biological sciences to engineering and mathematics, as well as mentoring in-school Fellows.

He has also consulted for Intellectual Ventures on the development of a broad range of new ideas and inventions in physics, engineering and biology, including the TerraPower initiative for the development of advanced nuclear reactors.