Longtime ORNL researcher honored for contributions to nuclear safety, next-generation neutron capabilities
After more than three decades advancing science that supports safe nuclear energy and world-leading neutron research, the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Igor Remec has been elected a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society, the organization’s highest professional distinction.
The American Nuclear Society recognizes Remec, a native of Slovenia, for original research and technical leadership that have shaped how industry, regulators and researchers understand radiation behavior and material performance. Throughout his career at ORNL, he has contributed to national priorities in nuclear safety, energy security and scientific competitiveness through work supporting the High Flux Isotope Reactor and the Spallation Neutron Source — DOE Office of Science user facilities that enable discoveries in materials, energy technologies, isotopes and manufacturing — as well as the design of the future Second Target Station.
“Dr. Remec is one of the few experts worldwide able to connect the physics of neutron production with what instrument designers and the scientific community need to solve today’s materials challenges,” said Ken Herwig, technical director for the Second Target Station project.
Remec’s work at ORNL has focused on radiation and particle transport simulations with deterministic and stochastic methods, analysis of neutron dosimetry, and characterization of radiation environments for evaluation of radiation induced material degradation. His work helps assure nuclear systems remain safe and reliable. His notable work at the High Flux Isotope Reactor explained the accelerated embrittlement of the pressure vessel, which contains the reactor. Remec’s studies on radiation-induced degradation in concrete improved criteria for assessing long-term performance in nuclear power plants, helping to keep critical infrastructure safe and operational. As a leader in computational neutronics, Remec has developed models and benchmarks used by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and industry.
Today, Remec leads neutronics design for the Second Target Station, a next-generation expansion of the Spallation Neutron Source that will provide scientists with new tools to study quantum materials, energy systems and biological structures. This effort aligns with DOE priorities in advanced manufacturing, critical materials, fusion energy research and artificial intelligence-enabled experimental science.
“The transition from working on fission reactors to accelerator-driven spallation sources was interesting and challenging,” Remec said. “It's different and exciting physics. I have certainly enjoyed it over the years.”
Remec was formally recognized at the opening plenary of the 2026 American Nuclear Society annual conference.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Remec said. “Looking ahead, I am committed to helping build the Second Target Station, a new world-class facility at ORNL that will provide leading capabilities in neutral scattering.”
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for DOE’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit energy.gov/science.
