Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov Participated in an International Study Visit to the USA under the American Government’s Programme FIRST

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Director of the Center for Nuclear Security Support and the Institute for Enhancing Research Capacity in the Field of the Nuclear Industry and Nuclear Security at UNWE, as well as lecturer at the UNWE National and Regional Security Department, took part in the international study visit Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Workforce Development Technical Site Visits held in March 2026 in the USA.

As part of the Programme, the Bulgarian delegation, comprising representatives from academic institutions, government agencies and industry, visited leading universities, research centers, and companies in the field of nuclear energy in the states of Texas, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

The study visit began with an intensive programme at Texas A&M University where the participants were introduced to the nuclear engineering education programmes, laboratories and research centers, including initiatives related to Small Modular Reactors /SMRs/.

The delegation held meetings at the Center for Energy Development in Bay City, Texas, as well as with representatives of local institutions and business organizations involved in the development and public acceptance of nuclear energy.

A highlight of the Programme was the visit to Westinghouse Electric Company in Pennsylvania, where the participants were introduced to the modern technologies, including the AP1000 and AP300 reactors, as well as with training programmes for engineering and technical personnel. During the visit, Prof. Spasov also presented the UNWE activities in the field of nuclear security.

In Washington, D.C., meetings were held with key institutions such as the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, as well as the Nuclear Energy Institute and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers /ASME/, where policies, standards, and best practices in nuclear energy and the training of specialists were discussed.

The participation of UNWE in this international initiative contributes to establishing the university as an active partner in global efforts to develop education and expert capacity in the field of nuclear security and new nuclear technologies.