Prof. Rex Gyeabour Abrefah is a distinguished nuclear engineer and regulatory expert with a rich career spanning over 15 years in Ghana’s nuclear sector. He currently serves as Chief Research Scientist at the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) and has been instrumental in shaping national policies and regulatory frameworks in nuclear safety. His professional journey demonstrates progressive responsibilities in both research and leadership, including his role as Head of the Nuclear Safety Department. Prof. Abrefah holds a PhD in Nuclear Engineering and has actively contributed to Ghana’s transition from highly enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium (LEU) reactor cores, working on major international projects coordinated by the IAEA. In addition to his regulatory duties, he plays a key academic role as an Associate Professor at the University of Ghana, supervising graduate students and advancing education in nuclear sciences. He has consistently represented Ghana in high-level international forums and training events across Europe, North America, and Africa. With comprehensive expertise in reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and radiation safety, Prof. Abrefah exemplifies leadership in nuclear research and governance. His contributions are central to both national energy development and Africa’s growing nuclear safety network, positioning him as a credible candidate for high-impact research awards.

Professional Profile

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Education

Prof. Rex Gyeabour Abrefah’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in physics and nuclear engineering. He began his tertiary education at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics in 2005. Motivated by a deep interest in nuclear sciences, he proceeded to pursue a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Nuclear Engineering at the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, graduating in 2008. His academic pursuits culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nuclear Engineering from the same institution, which he completed in 2014. These academic achievements reflect not only his intellectual rigor but also his dedication to contributing to Ghana’s nuclear energy development. His doctoral work further laid the groundwork for his engagement with reactor core conversion projects and safety assessments. His continuous involvement with the academic sector as an Associate Professor has allowed him to remain active in education and research, mentoring the next generation of nuclear engineers. Prof. Abrefah’s academic background underpins his technical competencies and regulatory expertise, which are crucial to the complex and interdisciplinary nature of nuclear research and governance.

Professional Experience

Prof. Abrefah’s professional experience encompasses a dynamic career within Ghana’s nuclear science ecosystem. He began as a National Service Personnel with the National Disaster Management Organization in 2005, later transitioning to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), where he progressed from Trainee Research Scientist (2007–2009) to Research Scientist (2009–2016). His shift to the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) in 2014 marked a pivotal turn, aligning his expertise with national nuclear safety objectives. Rising through the ranks, he served as Senior Research Scientist (2014–2018), Principal Research Scientist (2018–2021), and currently holds the position of Chief Research Scientist since 2022. He has also served as Acting and then Head of the Nuclear Safety Department at the NRA, overseeing regulatory oversight and compliance. His leadership roles extend to international nuclear forums such as the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA), where he served as a coordinator and steering committee member. Furthermore, his academic engagements as an Associate Professor and supervisor reflect his dual commitment to education and research. Throughout his career, Prof. Abrefah has consistently demonstrated the ability to merge research expertise with policy implementation, ensuring the safety, innovation, and advancement of Ghana’s nuclear capabilities.

Research Interests

Prof. Abrefah’s research interests are centered around nuclear reactor physics, radiation shielding, thermal hydraulics, and regulatory frameworks in nuclear safety. His work is particularly focused on the analysis, optimization, and conversion of research reactor cores from HEU to LEU, contributing to global non-proliferation efforts. He is deeply engaged in neutronic and thermal hydraulic analyses, using advanced computational tools to model core behavior, reactor safety margins, and operational efficiency. Additionally, he explores nuclear power plant systems and reactor engineering, especially in the context of emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). As Ghana transitions toward expanding its nuclear energy sector, Prof. Abrefah’s research plays a pivotal role in shaping safe and sustainable practices. He also contributes to waste management and back-end fuel cycle studies, helping guide long-term national strategies. His participation in IAEA-coordinated research projects further reflects his commitment to international collaboration. Prof. Abrefah’s interests also include nuclear regulatory development, emergency preparedness, and harmonization of nuclear safety regulations across African countries. Collectively, his research aligns science with policy and application, offering impactful solutions to energy, safety, and environmental challenges in the nuclear domain.

Research Skills

Prof. Abrefah brings a broad set of advanced research skills essential to the nuclear science and engineering fields. His technical competencies include neutronic analysis using Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulations, thermal hydraulic analysis with PARET and PLTEMP codes, and core inventory evaluation using REBUS and ORIGEN. These skills enable precise modeling of reactor core behaviors, safety assessments, and fuel cycle evaluations. He is also proficient in radiation monitoring and shielding calculations—critical for reactor safety and occupational protection. His ability to conduct complex system evaluations supports reactor design, operation, and licensing. Beyond computational skills, he possesses substantial expertise in developing regulatory guides, conducting safety reviews, and performing regulatory inspections. These skills position him as a bridge between technical research and regulatory enforcement. Moreover, his leadership in task forces and working groups within the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa showcases his capability in coordinating multinational research and harmonization efforts. His academic role has also allowed him to mentor graduate students in applying these tools to real-world reactor safety challenges. Prof. Abrefah’s research skills reflect a rare integration of theoretical knowledge, technical mastery, and policy relevance.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Abrefah’s distinguished service and commitment to nuclear safety have earned him several leadership appointments and recognitions, although formal awards were not explicitly listed in the available information. However, his selection as a Member of the Nuclear Safety Standards Committee (NUSSC) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the 2024–2026 term stands as a notable international endorsement of his expertise. His roles as Coordinator and Steering Committee Member in the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA) further emphasize his influence in shaping regulatory frameworks across the continent. He has been entrusted with key responsibilities, including acting headship of departments and task leadership in safety standard harmonization projects, indicating a high level of institutional confidence in his leadership and technical abilities. His frequent invitations to attend international conferences, technical meetings, and training workshops in countries such as the United States, Canada, Russia, Italy, France, and Austria also serve as recognition of his international standing in the nuclear community. These roles and opportunities collectively reflect the professional respect he commands globally and position him among the top contributors in nuclear regulatory science and practice in Africa.

Conclusion

Prof. Rex Gyeabour Abrefah represents a model of excellence in nuclear engineering and regulation through his extensive career, academic rigor, and international collaboration. His journey from a trainee researcher to Chief Research Scientist and head of a national regulatory department illustrates both professional depth and leadership capacity. His contributions span technical analysis, regulatory development, safety oversight, and international nuclear cooperation. Prof. Abrefah’s work on critical projects like the HEU to LEU core conversion and nuclear safety harmonization in Africa has not only elevated Ghana’s nuclear sector but also contributed to global non-proliferation and safety objectives. He possesses a rare combination of practical regulatory experience, high-level technical skills, and academic leadership, all of which make him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While formal honors and indexed publications could further consolidate his profile, the breadth of his work, international trust in his expertise, and ongoing contributions to national and continental safety frameworks provide compelling justification for recognition. Prof. Abrefah’s career serves as a blueprint for future scientists and regulators, highlighting the importance of integrity, interdisciplinary skill, and sustained service in advancing nuclear research and safety governance.

Publications Top Notes

1. Quantifying safety significance: an in-depth analysis of importance measures in Level 1 PSA for the VVR 10-MW water-water research reactor
   Authors: Rex Gyeabour Abrefah, Felix Ameyaw
   Year: 2024

2. Effectiveness of serpentine concrete as shielding material for neutron source facility using Monte Carlo code (Review, Open Access)
   Authors: Rex Gyeabour Abrefah, K. Tuffour-Achampong, Prince Amoah
   Year: 2024
   Citations: 5

3. Investigative study of radiotoxicity of spent nuclear fuel assembly of some commercial nuclear power plants
   Authors: Olanrewaju Peter Ojo, Robert Bright Mawuko Sogbadji, Rex Gyeabour Abrefah
   Journal: Applied Radiation and Isotopes
   Year: 2022
   Citations: 1