Richard Lester, the Japan Steel Industry Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering, has received the 2015 American Nuclear Society (ANS) Special Award for “demonstrating the value of nuclear energy to a wide audience.” He is recognized for playing an outstanding role in necessary research and analysis, and in the interpretation and leadership associated with furthering the overall understanding of this important effort.
Lester’s research focuses on local, regional, and national systems of innovation, with a particular focus on the energy and manufacturing sectors. He has led several major studies of competitiveness and innovation performance commissioned by governments and industrial groups around the world.
Established in 1962, the ANS Special Award is given to an individual or individuals for especially meritorious contributions in research and/or developing understanding in important areas of current activity. A different topic is determined annually by the ANS Board of Directors based on recommendations from the Honors and Awards Committee. Each topic is selected because of the importance to the issue with regard to the peaceful application of nuclear technology to all humankind.
