Awarded the Global Energy Prize for his pioneering contribution to the development of fast-breeder nuclear reactors for power generation and fundamental studies into the thermophysical properties of matter at extremely high temperatures.
Leonard J. Koch graduated from Illinois Technological Institute; the specialty received was «machine-building».
Since 1960 he is the member of the American Nuclear Society. In 1968 he received a master’s degree in the University of Chicago. Since 1981 he is the member of National Engineering Academy of the USA. During 24 years Leonard Koch was engaged in the development of fast-neutron reactors in the Argon National Laboratory. Koch played a key role in the development of EBR-1 nuclear reactor, which was the first to generate the electric energy. This scientist is considered to be the pioneer in the sphere of creating fast reactors. The second reactor (EBR-2) created by Professor Koch contained significant ideas and solutions, which are being successively used by scientists all over the world in the developments of the safest nuclear reactors: waste fuel is immediately recycled and re-delivered to the reactor. Professor Koch was the first to implement this mechanism in practice. This technology leads to safer nuclear energy for all mankind.
In 2004 Leonard J. Koch was granted the Global Energy International Energy Prize for physical-technical basis and development of fast reactors.
Scientific activities
- Was engaged in the development of fast-neutron reactors.
- Participated in the development of EBR-1 nuclear reactor, which was the first to generate the electric energy.
- One of the pioneers in the development of fast-neutron reactors.
- Originator of ideas and solutions in the field of nuclear reactor safety.
- He was the first to implement in practice a mechanism for waste fuel recycling and re-delivery to the reactor.