To deliver a new generation of nuclear professionals with the holistic vision and technical expertise to develop innovative nuclear technologies. Our key objectives are to integrate reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and through-life structural integrity of advanced reactor components, embracing digital tools to accelerate innovation in reactor design and operation. This will enable competitive and resilient future energy systems, maintain national security, and support economic growth.
The UK has an ambitious strategy to design and deploy new nuclear designs for energy security, decarbonisation, national security and export. This includes large-scale pressurised water reactors (PWRs), small modular reactors (SMRs) and Gen IV advanced modular reactors (AMRs). A new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines using UK reactors will be built under AUKUS, with MoD stating that these require a substantial pipeline of nuclear engineers capable of innovating designs, delivering to time and budget. These professionals must be digital innovators who revolutionise technical development, but with the broader skillset to lead public communications and engagement, including to identify, develop and exploit entrepreneurship opportunities.
The training model will be co-created with our industry partners, integrating formal technical courses, skills, business, communications and commercialisation training, reinforced by site visits to new and emerging nuclear plant, and training-by-doing outreach to public and policymakers. The research topics of the individual PhDs will be developed synergistically to maximise interconnections between the +partners and UK strategic objectives.