Luca Oriani

Luca Oriani is a Professor leading the NRGroup, specializing in nuclear reactor innovation with expertise in thermal-hydraulics, safety analysis, and next-generation reactor systems including the IRIS design and circulating-fuel concepts.

His academic foundation includes:

• MSc in Nuclear Engineering (1997) with thesis: 'MOSART: Programma Modulare per l’Analisi di Transitori Operativi e Incidentali in Impianti PWR' (related to Matteo Zanetti)
• PhD in Nuclear Engineering (2001) with thesis: 'Thermal-Hydraulic Studies on the International Reactor Innovative and Secure (IRIS) and its Original Containment Concept'

Research spans reactor safety methodologies, Gen IV fast reactor development (e.g., ELSY), and dynamic analysis of circulating-fuel systems, emphasizing risk-informed approaches for evacuation protocols and performance optimization. His work bridges theoretical modeling with industrial applications in nuclear power plant design.

Supervised graduate students include:

• Rasha Ghazy (PhD 2016: 'Development of new tools for circulating-fuel reactor analysis'; MSc 2012: 'Lyapunov approach to circulating fuel reactors')
• Andrea Maioli (PhD 2013: 'Key factors of nuclear power plant performance'; MSc 2008: 'ELSY Gen IV Fast Reactor cross-sections and void reactivity')

The NRGroup under his direction focuses on advancing nuclear safety frameworks and innovative reactor technologies for sustainable energy systems.