The Polish Nuclear Society has announced the results of a competition for the best theses in the field of nuclear science and technology. In the doctoral thesis category, three of the seven winning theses were authored by researchers from the National Centre for Nuclear Research.

The Polish Nuclear Society Competition awards the best bachelor's/engineering, master's and doctoral theses related to atomic science. The committee evaluates, among other things, the originality and innovativeness of technical, technological and organisational solutions, as well as the substantive level and cognitive value of the works.

The results of the competition for 2023-2025 were recently announced. In the doctoral dissertation category, out of 11 theses, 7 received an award or distinction. The authors of three of the highest-rated doctoral dissertations are researchers from the Division of Nuclear Energy and Environmental Studies at the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ).

Award winners and their theses

First place – Tomasz Kwiatkowski
Towards the numerical prediction of flow and heat transfer in a tightly spaced rod bundle

The work concerns the simulation of coolant flow and heat transfer in densely packed fuel assemblies. A unique database and set of best practices for CFD calculations have been created, which help to more accurately predict the operating conditions of nuclear fuel. The results support the design of safer and more efficient reactors.

Second place and nomination for the ENS HSC PhD Award 2026 – Eleonora Skrzypek
Thermo-hydraulic modelling of a steel metal layer on top of a corium pool in a PWR under severe accident conditions

The research concerns the behaviour of molten core materials during a severe reactor accident. The author has developed models describing heat transfer and the movement of a thin layer of metal above molten fuel. A better understanding of these phenomena allows for more accurate assessment of emergency scenarios and increased safety at nuclear power plants.

Third place – Jędrzej Walkowiak
Impact of tungsten impurities on electrons dynamics of thermonuclear plasma in tokamaks

This work in the field of thermonuclear energy analyses the impact of tungsten impurities on the behaviour of fast electrons in tokamak plasma. The models developed help to predict and limit dangerous phenomena in fusion reactors such as ITER, which is crucial for the stable operation of future thermonuclear energy sources.

The award-winning theses will have a direct impact on the development of safe and innovative technologies for future reactors.