UOIT announces creation of milestone Cameco Research Chair in Nuclear Fuel

Major financial investment recognizes university's outstanding reputation for innovative and market-driven research  

OSHAWA, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced today that it has been chosen by Cameco Corporation (Cameco), the world's largest uranium producer, to create a $1.5 million Cameco Research Chair in Nuclear Fuel at its campus in Oshawa, Ontario.

Dr. Brian Ikeda, an associate professor with the School of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, has been awarded the chair. He will focus extensive research on nuclear fuel and the material propertiesof components critical to the manufacture of fuel bundles - an environment-friendly energy source with tremendous commercial potential in Durham Region and beyond.

The chair will form a key component of the research direction of the university in general and the School of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science in particular. Part of a multi-disciplinary research team at UOIT, Dr. Ikeda will be working with researchers in areas including nuclear-electric generation, process automation, health and safety, and complementary aspects of various branches of science and engineering. New technologies resulting from this research will be shared between UOIT and Cameco.

"This partnership is a very important step towards building UOIT's research capacity related to the nuclear industry," said Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, associate provost of Research at UOIT."The Cameco Research Chair in Nuclear Fuel will allow our researchers to be engaged in the most advanced fuel research as we move into a nuclear renaissance."

Work will be carried out at UOIT's research laboratories, Cameco's Port Hope facilities and at other universities as required. Researchers in Cameco's laboratories will also gain access to UOIT's world-class facilities and expert faculty members.

"I would like to express my appreciation to Cameco for choosing to partner with UOIT on this major research initiative," said Dr. George Bereznai, dean of the UOIT School of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science. "This research chair represents a tremendous leap forward in nuclear fuel research and we are excited to be selected to participate in this groundbreaking effort. I am convinced that Cameco's and UOIT's mutual vision of research excellence will have a direct and positive impact not only on the current and future student community but on our local, national and global community as well."

In addition to enhancing fundamental and applied knowledge, the results of the research will transfer directly to the curriculum being offered to students enrolled in UOIT's Nuclear Power, Energy Systems, Nuclear Engineering, and Health Physics and Radiation Science programs, enabling graduates to apply their advanced understanding to the nuclear industry.

"A collaborative environment with shared facilities, talent and knowledge will exceed what each organization and individual would be able to achieve alone," said Jerry Grandey, president and CEO of Cameco. "Our mutual goal is to bring cost-effective and efficient nuclear fuel technology to market."

UOIT's Nuclear Engineering program is Canada's only honours degree dedicated to nuclear engineering, providing students with unique access to current and relevant research, outstanding faculty and the opportunity to work alongside their professors on leading-edge projects.

"I am very grateful that Cameco has chosen to partner with UOIT in pursuit of this critical area of research as Canada and the rest of world face the challenge of meeting rising energy demands and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective manner," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president of UOIT. "In only four years, UOIT has established a world-class reputation for its unique research mandate and exceptional faculty and this partnership confirms we are attracting the interest and support of international corporations like Cameco through our market-oriented mission and proven reputation for turning innovative ideas into real-world solutions."

The partnership reflects Cameco's commitment to build and sustain the trust and support of communities wherever the company operates.

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About UOIT

As the province's newest university, UOIT provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. The university is committed to research excellence and has attracted significant research grants and awards including five Canada Research Chairs. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 4,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About Cameco

Cameco, with its head office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is the world's largest uranium producer. The company's uranium products are used to generate electricity in nuclear energy plants around the world, providing one of the cleanest sources of energy available today. Cameco's shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@uoit.ca