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DR. CHAUNCEY STARR, EPRI FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT EMERITUS, DIES AT 95
Palo Alto, CA, 18 April 2007: Dr. Chauncey Starr, 95, founder and
President Emeritus of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI),
died yesterday in his home in Atherton, Calif., one day after attending a
celebration in his honor at the Institute that was attended by more than 200 of
his research colleagues.
Starr’s life-long conviction that
science and technology should play an important role in increasing quality of
life ultimately led to his pioneering work at EPRI. Following a distinguished
career in industry, academia, and government, which included seminal work in
both nuclear power and risk assessment, Starr formed EPRI in 1972 as a research
and development organization to address the challenges faced by the electric
utility industry.
Starr believed that a collaborative
research approach could most effectively address the industry’s challenges. By
designing the research and development process to take advantage of the
knowledge and experience of technical advisors from public and private
utilities, and tapping into the talents and intellectual excellence at research
institutions around the world, EPRI could marshal the best team possible for
resolving a particular issue. As such, over the course of 35 years, EPRI has
institutionalized Starr’s collaborative vision and spirit to become a valued and
versatile technical resource for the industry.
At the celebration Monday, Starr
commented on his status as EPRI’s President Emeritus, referring to the word
“Emeritus” as academic speak for a “has-been.” To those who knew him, nothing
could be further from the truth. At the time of his death, Starr was actively
working on projects involving risk-based decision analysis of nuclear plant
investments and the development of the “SuperGrid” utilizing superconductors to
transport electricity with near-zero energy losses.
Starr’s brilliance and innovative
ideas were globally recognized. He was regularly consulted for his insightful
opinions on energy issues by world leaders, scientists and energy policy makers.
He published more than 400
technical and scientific articles. He received numerous honors, including the
following recognitions:
• Arthur M. Bueche Award (2006):
Awarded by the National Academy of Engineering of the National Academies, for
leadership in the development of nuclear power, contributions to the creation of
the field of risk analysis, and leadership in electric power R&D as the founding
president of EPRI
• George C. Laurence Pioneering Award (2006): Awarded by the American Nuclear
Society for outstanding pioneering contributions to nuclear reactor safety
• The National Medal of Technology (1990): Awarded by then President George H.W.
Bush for contributions to engineering and the electric industry
• United States Energy Award (1990): Awarded by the United States Energy
Association for long-term contributions to energy and to international
understanding
• Rockwell Medal (1988): Awarded by the International Technology Institute for
excellence in technology and contributions to the betterment of mankind
Prior to establishing EPRI,
Chauncey Starr was dean of the UCLA School of Engineering and Applied Science
(1966-1973). While at UCLA, he directed a research effort on societal safety in
technical systems. This work led to a paper titled “Social Benefits versus
Social Risks,” published in the journal Science in 1969. That paper is widely
considered the starting point of the formal technical field of risk analysis.
And prior to UCLA, Starr had a
20-year industrial career, during which he served as Vice President of Rockwell
International and founded and became President of its Atomics International
Division.
During World War II, Starr worked
with physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer for the Manhattan Engineering District at
the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn., focusing on isotope
separation technology. Following World War II, he pioneered the development of
nuclear reactor designs, including the first non-military reactor, and the first
reactor in space.
Starr earned an electrical
engineering degree in 1932 and a Ph.D. in physics in 1935 from Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. He then became a research fellow in physics
at Harvard University.
Starr was a member and past Vice
President of the National Academy of Engineering, and a founder and past
President of the American Nuclear Society. He is also a member and past Director
of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Foreign Member of
the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, and an Officer of the French
Legion of Honor.
Starr is survived by his wife of 69
years, Doris; a daughter, Ariel Wooley of Los Altos, Calif., a son, Ross Starr
of San Diego, Calif., and five grandchildren.
About the Electric Power
Research Institute
The
Electric Power Research Institute
(EPRI), with major locations in Palo
Alto, California; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Knoxville, Tennessee, was
established in 1973 as an independent, nonprofit center for public interest
energy and environmental research. EPRI brings together members, participants,
the Institute's scientists and engineers, and other leading experts to work
collaboratively on solutions to the challenges of electric power. These
solutions span nearly every area of electricity generation, delivery, and use,
including health, safety, and environment. EPRI's members represent over 90% of
the electricity generated in the United States. International participation
represents nearly 15% of EPRI's total research, development, and demonstration
program.
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