Department of Nuclear Engineering
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[Seminar] Is the world going through another Nuclear Renaissance? Can Small Modular Reactors be part of the answer?
October 17 @ 4:10 pm - 5:10 pm
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Professor Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka
Vice-Chancellor
North-West University (NWU)
South Africa
Abstract
The seminar will explore the new nuclear power programs being developed globally, looking at the main drivers of these programs. It will also look at what the key performance indicators are for these projects to succeed, as well as what challenges can potentially affect the Renaissance. Lastly the seminar will explore how the Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can potentially be part of the solution.
Biography
Professor Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka currently serves as Vice-Chancellor of North-West University (NWU), South Africa. Formerly the CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator, he has over two decades of experience in nuclear sciences and engineering. He began his career at Eskom Enterprises, progressing through roles such as Senior Physicist and Chief Nuclear Engineering Analyst, before becoming a Nuclear Engineer at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
He has held numerous prestigious positions, including:
- Chairperson of NWU Council
- Member of the International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group
- Chairman of the Regulatory Cooperation Forum under IAEA
- President of the 6th Review Meeting of the Joint Convention on Safety of Spent Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management
Prof. Tyobeka is also an Extraordinary Professor at the Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology and an Extraordinary Professor of Nuclear Engineering at NWU. He is Chairperson of the Nuclear Missile and Dual-Use Committee of the Council for Non-Proliferation for Nuclear and Biological Weapons of the South African Government and Chairperson of the Funding Strategy Group of Universities South Africa (USAf), a body comprising all 26 public universities in South Africa.
In recognition of his academic and leadership contributions, Prof. Tyobeka completed the Harvard Business School programme and was recently appointed as the Knight of the Republic of France through the conferral of the National Order of Merit by President Macron of France.
Prof. Tyobeka holds multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. The French Republic recently awarded him the National Order of Merit, and he also serves as an Adjunct Professor at North Carolina State University.
Thursday, October 16. 2024
4:10 pm seminar
zoom link upon request