Jason Hayward, a professor and UCOR Fellow in the Department of Nuclear Engineering, has been honored as the 2025 recipient of the Excellence in Research and Creative Achievement Award from the University of Tennessee Office of the Provost.
The award recognizes tenured faculty members who have received national or international recognition in their field and is a testament to the critical role that faculty research, scholarship, and creative activity play in achieving the university’s mission.
“I’m thankful for the continued support from the University of Tennessee that has allowed me and many of my colleagues in the nuclear science and engineering space to establish excellence in our research as well as room for continued growth,” Hayward said. “Our two new large awards based in Nuclear Engineering are important indicators of this strong, sustained investment.”
Hayward’s Accomplishments
Hayward’s research involves radiation instrumentation, especially for nonproliferation technologies and imaging. Last year, he was named the director of a consortium that received a $25 million cooperative agreement awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation.
As a recipient of the Excellence in Research and Creative Achievement Award, Hayward receives $3,000. A former Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, Haward was recognized at the spring Academic Honors Banquet on April 21.
Previously, Hayward shared the honor as UT Nuclear Engineering Professor of the Year (2022) and received the UT Tickle College of Engineering Research Achievement Award (2020).
NE Assistant Professor Vlad Sobes was honored at the spring banquet as well, receiving the Professional Promise in Research and Creative Achievement award.
“I am humbled by the accomplishments of my colleagues who were the other award winners in this category this year,” Sobes said. “I am truly honored to be considered to be in their company.”
Contact
Rhiannon Potkey (865-974-0683, rpotkey@utk.edu)