S. P. Bhoje, the Chairman of Indira Gandhi Centre of Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, the second largest establishment of the Department of Atomic Energy, has specialized in various aspects of Fast Reactor Technology, right from his initial days as a scientist in the department.

Born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra in 1942, Bhoje after obtaining his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pune, joined the Department of Atomic Energy through its training school. He joined the Bhaba Atomic Research Centre as Scientific Officer in 1966.

He joined the Fast Reactor section of Reactor Engineering Division at the centre in 1967 and was engaged in the design of Experimental Fast Reactor. Two years later, the scientist was deputed to Centre d'Etudes Nuclear Cadrache, France, as a member of the design team for the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) 40 Mwt, adapting the design of RAPSODIE Fortissimo Reactor under Indo-French collaboration.

In 1971, Bhoje moved to IGCAR, Kalpakkam. Subsequently, in 1985, he was appointed Head of the Nuclear System Division with the responsibility of conceptual and detailed design of nuclear systems of 500 Mwt sodium cooled Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. Five years later he was given the additional responsibility of heading the reactor operations division and was Station Superintendent of the Fast Breeder Test Reactor.

In 1992, he was appointed Director, Reactor Group, with the responsibility of operation of the Fast Breeder Test Reactor and design and engineering development of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. Bhoje was the Member Secretary of the 500 Mwe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor working group, for the preparation of the preliminary design report and feasibility report from 1981 to 1983. He was also the member, International Working Group on Fast Reactor of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

As Chairman of the Sub-committee constituted by the Department of Atomic Energy Safety Review Committee, Bhoje prepared the safety criteria for the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. He was elected Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering in 1995.

Recipient of the Vasvik Award in the field of Mechanical Sciences and Technology, Bhoje is a member of Indian Nuclear Society. He has been deputed to various countries to attend international seminars, conferences and programmes on bilateral co-operation. He has published over 150 papers in national and international seminars, symposia, conferences and journals on various aspects of Fast Breeder Reactor technology.

Address: S.P.Bhoje,
Director, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research,
Kalpakkam - 603 102, Kancheepuram District.
Phone: 4114-40240/67.

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