[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Reactor_Core-02.jpg” caption=”The core of the nuclear reactor.”]McMaster University's Nuclear Reactor – 47 years old this year – has received the annual John S. Hewitt team achievement award by the Canadian Nuclear Society. The award recognizes exceptional teamwork within the national nuclear community.

“It's a great honour for the reactor and for the University,” says Chris Heysel, director, nuclear operations and facilities, noting that the recognition was given to McMaster for its innovation in the nuclear field. The citation specifically mentions the team's ability to take a research reactor that was destined for shutdown, and turn it into a world-class facility that is safely operated, and that conducts financially viable research and education.

The award will be presented Monday, June 12, at the annual Canadian Nuclear Society awards banquet in Toronto.

When it opened in April, 1959, McMaster's was the first nuclear reactor at a Commonwealth university. Today, it is used in a variety of research and commercial enterprises: it is used in the dating of rock samples and archeological artifacts; it is used to radiograph turbine blades used in all commercial aircraft throughout the world; it is used by the geological industry to verify mineral compositions. It's best known use, however, is in the manufacture of isotopes (I-125), which is used all over the world for the treatment of prostate cancer.

“We are proud of our ability to support the academic and research mission of the University, and we're proud that every day our reactor operates, we are helping to save lives,” says Heysel.