ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Division Spotlight
Nuclear Installations Safety
Devoted specifically to the safety of nuclear installations and the health and safety of the public, this division seeks a better understanding of the role of safety in the design, construction and operation of nuclear installation facilities. The division also promotes engineering and scientific technology advancement associated with the safety of such facilities.
Meeting Spotlight
2021 ANS Winter Meeting and Technology Expo
November 30–December 3, 2021
Washington, DC|Washington Hilton
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
Sep 2021
Jul 2021
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
October 2021
Nuclear Technology
November 2021
Fusion Science and Technology
August 2021
Latest News
Lighting the path for next-generation PRA leaders in nuclear engineering
Our next-generation leaders must begin to think more creatively, using risk-informed solutions to ensure safe, resilient, sustainable, and socially responsible technological advancements to usher in an era void of technological accidents. Probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) research and education provide nuclear engineering students with the scientific expertise and viable skill sets essential for meeting the growing demand for risk analysts in nuclear energy domains.
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
