ABOUT THE HONOREE

Cuban-born, Dr. Nils J. Diaz is internationally recognized for his broad expertise and contributions to nuclear sciences, reactor systems and fuels, to the regulation of nuclear facilities and radioactive materials, and to nuclear policy analysis and development. Diaz presently serves as a Commissioner of the Florida Energy and Climate Commission. He has received many national and international awards, including the Henry DeWolf Smyth 2008 Nuclear Statesman Award, awarded by the Nuclear Energy Institute and the American Nuclear Society, as well as being selected as one of the Most Influential Hispanics, recognized among the Top 50 Hispanic Scientists, and a member of the Hispanic Hall of Fame.

Dr. Diaz is the immediate past Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Diaz was designated Chairman of the NRC by President Bush on April 1, 2003 and he served as such until his retirement from government service on June 30, 2006. He was first nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate as a Commissioner with the NRC in August 1996, nominated and confirmed again in 2001, and exercised the responsibilities of the position until he assumed the Chairmanship of the Commission.

During his 40 year research career, Diaz has served as Director of the Innovative Nuclear Space Power Institute (INSPI) for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO), Department of Defense, and a Professor of Nuclear Engineering Sciences at the University of Florida. From 1969 to 1996, Dr. Diaz held senior positions at universities, Boards and industry, and consulted for the U.S. Government and other governments on civilian nuclear energy development.