The Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering and the MIT Energy Laboratory established the MIT Center for Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems (CANES) in September 2000 with the late Prof. Mujid Kazimi serving as the first Director. The Center aims to create concepts for nuclear energy systems that promise favorable economics, reliability and environmental sustainability. The Center's programs involve development and application of methods, materials and technologies for the design, operation, and regulation of current and advanced nuclear reactors and fuel cycles.