Nuclear Energy Systems (NES)

The Nuclear Energy Systems (NES) Research Group at the University of Sharjah’s Research Institute of Sciences and Engineering (RISE) is dedicated to advancing the science and engineering of nuclear energy for peaceful and sustainable applications in the UAE and beyond. Our multidisciplinary team focuses on cutting-edge research in nuclear system simulation, reactor safety and reliability, radiation protection, transient and accident analysis, and computational modeling of core physics and thermal-hydraulics. Through collaboration with international academic partners and engagement in global research initiatives, we aim to develop innovative analytical tools and knowledge that enhance nuclear system performance, safety, and reliability, while contributing to the growth of regional expertise in nuclear science and technology.

Main Research Areas:

• Transient analysis of APR1400 using nodal core simulator.
• Radiation protection and shielding by using MCNP software.
• Reactor Safety and Reliability Analysis by using Risk Spectrum and GPWR software.
• Radiation dispersion modelling and simulation.
• Molecular Dynamics of FeCrAl alloy.
• Uncertainty/sensitivity and model calibration, experimental validation and model verification.
• Computational reactor physics and thermal-hydraulics, surrogate modeling and complexity reduction.

Research Projects:

• ML-Based Inverse Analysis for Early Diagnosis of Accident Conditions in APR1400
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) coordinated research project # 131033. "Surrogate/Bayesian-Based analysis for severe accident scenarios in APR 1400 design". 2020-2024. (Dr. Bassam as PI)
• Neutronics and Thermal-Hydraulics Models Validation via Uncertainty Propagation and Parameter Space Analysis (Dr. Bassam as PI)
• Developing a Toolkit for Uncertainty, Sensitivity, Model Calibration and Validation for Nuclear Engineering Applications (Dr. Bassam as PI)
• Optimizing the Design of Nuclear Fuel Assembly Mixing Vanes using CFD Analysis. (Dr. Bassam as PI)
• Conceptual Core Design of Advanced Lead-cooled Modular Nuclear Reactor (ALMANAR). (Dr. Donny as PI)
• Reliability Evaluation of Reactor Protection System (RPS) Considering Different Failure Modes. (Dr. Zubair as PI)

 

• Prof. Syarif serve as Visiting Researcher, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia, 2024

 

• Prof. Syarif worked as Adjunct Professor, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, 2025

 

• Prof. Ammar won the UOS Scientific Research Award – University of Sharjah (UOS) Faculty Incentive Awards for the Academic Year 2024/2025.

 

• Dr. Zubair delivered an Invited Talk as Guest Speaker (keynote Speaker), “10th Multidisciplinary Research International Conference (MRIC-2025) Oct. 7-8, 2025, University of WAH, Pakistan

 

• Patent: Muhammad Aamir, Muhammad Sajid, Muhammad Zubair High-Pressure High-Temperature Spray Cooling System. United States Patent US 11, 905, 567 B1. United States Patent and Trademark Office, Feb. 20, 2024. (Granted)

 

• Dr. Khuwaileh is a full member of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) Large Light Water Reactor Consensus Committee (LLWRCC) (2025)

 

• Dr. Khuwaileh is now a member of the national Recognized National Development Committee” (RNDC) (2025) Dr. Khuwaileh is a member of the "National Strategy for Education, Training & Qualification" (NSETQ) Work Group. (2025)

 

• Dr. Khuwaileh is an invited IAEA international expert. (2024)