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Division Spotlight
Nuclear Criticality Safety
NCSD provides communication among nuclear criticality safety professionals through the development of standards, the evolution of training methods and materials, the presentation of technical data and procedures, and the creation of specialty publications. In these ways, the division furthers the exchange of technical information on nuclear criticality safety with the ultimate goal of promoting the safe handling of fissionable materials outside reactors.
Meeting Spotlight
2023 ANS Annual Meeting
June 11–14, 2023
Indianapolis, IN|Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
Latest Magazine Issues
Nov 2022
Jul 2022
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
November 2022
Nuclear Technology
December 2022
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Russia expands its nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet in Arctic
Advancing its efforts to develop the Arctic and establish new energy markets, Russia launched a new nuclear-powered icebreaker, the Yakutia, in St. Petersburg during a November 22 ceremony. At the launching in the northern Russian port city, the Russian flag was raised on another nuclear icebreaker, the Ural. Overseeing the events via video link from the Kremlin, Russian president Vladimir Putin said that the icebreakers “were laid down as part of a large serial project and are part of our large-scale, systematic work to reequip and replenish the domestic icebreaker fleet, to strengthen Russia's status as a great Arctic power.”
UWC Opening Plenary: Driving Transformational Change Moderator
MPR Associates Principal Officer
Bob Coward is Principal Officer of MPR Associates, a world leading Specialty Engineering and Technical Services Company, a position he was promoted to in January, 2009. In this overall MPR Leadership role, Bob is responsible for all aspects of MPR performance in all engineering disciplines and all business sectors. Prior to becoming Principal Officer, Bob was responsible for leading all of MPR’s services to the nuclear power sector worldwide.
He graduated with honors from Duke University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and his career has focused on the technical details of the design and evaluation of nuclear power plants, maintaining this focus as he transitioned to company leadership.
During his career at MPR, he has worked on over 100 electric generating plants worldwide, including 58 of the 65 US nuclear power plant sites, with on-site work at 34 of the 65 US sites. He has also provided strategic technical and management support to key DOE projects and programs. His specific expertise includes work in the areas of system performance, safety analysis, and project management, as well as the design and development of new nuclear power plants. Mr. Coward participates on key industry leadership committees and is recognized as a key industry leader in the safe and reliable operation of the existing US nuclear power plants. He has also had important and influential industry roles in the design, licensing and development of new nuclear power plants, with leadership roles on the EPRI Advanced Light Water Reactor Program, the DOE NP2010 Program, the STP 3&4 ABWR project, as well as the NuScale and other new plant programs.
As Principal Officer of MPR, Mr. Coward regularly engages with nuclear industry executive leadership to be knowledgeable of industry needs and guide MPR to address those challenges and contribute to industry success. Mr. Coward regularly serves on “blue ribbon panels” in support of clients and industry groups addressing important design, regulatory, and operational challenges regarding advanced reactor systems, extended power uprates, safety system performance, significant event evaluations, and new plant projects. A particular skill is leading multi-organization and multi-discipline teams to achieve their missions and deliver excellence, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
Finally, a focus of Mr. Coward’s efforts in his leadership role at MPR is the professional development of the MPR technical staff, including both technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
Mr. Coward is a Past President of the American Nuclear Society (2017-2018).
He lives in Alexandria, VA with his wife Kelley, and together they have five children. He enjoys time on the golf course, basketball court, and beach, as well as a tough technical challenge.
Last modified July 15, 2020, 3:27pm EDT
