Dr Piotr Kopka, assistant professor at the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), has won the prestigious International Nuclear Innovation Award in the expert category. The award was granted by the Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Industrial Nuclear Energy (IRC-INE), operating at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia.

Dr Kopka was recognised for his project entitled: "Probabilistic Model Chain Methodology for Radiological Risk Assessment in SMR Reactors: A Site-Specific Approach for Enhanced Nuclear Safety and Emergency Planning for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia". This project concerns an innovative methodology for assessing radiological risk in small modular reactors (SMRs), with particular emphasis on locations in Saudi Arabia. The developed PMCM methodology allows for probabilistic modelling of weather scenarios, radionuclide transport and radiation dose assessment, enabling precise determination of emergency planning zones (EPZ) and improving public safety while optimising costs.

The International Nuclear Innovation Award aims to promote innovative ideas that can significantly advance the nuclear energy industry in terms of safety, efficiency and sustainability. The award winners also received the opportunity to spend two months conducting research at KFUPM and collaborating with international experts in the field of nuclear energy.

We would like to congratulate dr Kopka on this exceptional achievement and his contribution to the development of innovative nuclear technologies!