Developing safe and sustainable nuclear solutions

The University is building on its nuclear research, partnerships and skills to achieve national, environmental and economic goals
Nuclear enegy GettyImages2217913131

Developing safe and sustainable nuclear solutions

The University is building on its nuclear research, partnerships and skills to achieve national, environmental and economic goals
The world is working towards ambitious net-zero targets and greater energy resilience, with nuclear technologies identified as key potential solutions. 
The South West of England is at the forefront of advances in the sector, with Hinkley Point C, due to open in 2029, already creating thousands of jobs and set to generate the electricity needed to power around 6 million homes.
The UK nuclear workforce currently stands at almost 100,000 people, but demand is outpacing supply. By 2030, official figures say the UK will need a further 24,000 skilled workers, while almost half of the current workforce is nearing retirement and women represent just 22% of the sector.
With its strong reputation in nuclear science, environmental sustainability and clean energy solutions, the University is playing an increasing role in making this energy transition a reality. It is also training and developing the next generation of nuclear professionals which the UK – and the world – urgently needs.
 

Our research

Nuclear safety, materials and waste management

Our research explores reactor safety, radiation protection, nuclear waste management and the development of advanced materials for future nuclear systems. We contribute to innovation in advanced modular reactors (AMRs), graphite technologies and novel solutions that enhance the safety, resilience and long-term sustainability of nuclear infrastructure.

Energy security and low-carbon technologies

Through the Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy, our research supports the UK’s transition to low-carbon energy and long-term energy resilience. We are leading projects exploring how nuclear energy can contribute to net-zero ambitions while addressing sustainability and resource security challenges. 

Research highlights

Power lines coming from the nuclear power station at Sizewell in Suffolk, UK
ENLIGHT (Enabling a Lifecycle Approach to Graphite for Advanced Modular Reactors)
Cardiac surgery
Circularity and Sustainability in volatile anaesthetics
Ecotoxicology lab experiments
TRANSversal Actions for Tritium (TRANSAT)
 

Our facilities

The Radioisotope and Advanced Materials Suite (RAMS) 

RAMS is a teaching-integrated, radiation-licensed research facility that brings together advanced materials characterisation, radioisotope science, geochemistry, environmental radioactivity and applied analytical science in a single integrated environment.
Its people-led, problem-driven approach ensures instrumentation is applied directly to real scientific, environmental and industrial challenges. RAMS enables the safe handling, preparation and characterisation of both active and non-active materials, supporting fundamental research, industrial consultancy and specialist training for regulated environments.
RAMS lab
 
 
 
 

Industry and regional nuclear collaboration

The °µÍø½âÃÜ works closely with key industry and regional partners to strengthen the UK’s nuclear capability and skills base. 
A major collaboration with Babcock International Group supports research, training and workforce development in nuclear engineering, defence applications and advanced technical skills, helping to address critical national capability needs.
The University is an active partner in the , working alongside academia, industry and government to drive innovation, knowledge exchange and regional growth in the nuclear sector. 
These and other partnerships enable the University to align its research and education with real-world industry challenges, supporting both the civil and defence nuclear sectors while contributing to the long-term resilience of the UK nuclear supply chain.

Work with us

If you're interested in learning more about our work in nuclear, we'd be delighted to have a conversation.
Whether you’re from industry, academia, or simply curious about the field, you can get in touch to arrange an informal chat and discuss how our research and innovation in this area could align with your interests.
Get in touch today: 
 
 
 
 

Our experts

 

Study and training opportunities

We have dozens of graduates already working in the nuclear sector, and provide a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD programmes – many of them developed in tandem with industry – designed to provide the future nuclear workforce with the skills they need to succeed.

Going Nuclear: Nuclear Applications for Science and Engineering

The module has been co-created by the °µÍø½âÃÜ, Babcock International Group and the Ministry of Defence. Over the space of 12 weeks, it covers topics from the fundamentals of nuclear fission and fusion to the intricacies of reactor functionality, regulation and safety, radiation protection, and nuclear waste management.
It is taught by University experts in engineering, geology, and chemistry who have an interest in the nuclear sector, as well as industry professionals working at Babcock and the MoD, who have been directly engaged in the nuclear sector for many years.
The first cohort of the new Going Nuclear module that has developed by the University in collaboration with Babcock International Group and the Ministry of Defence
 

Related courses

 
 
 

Babcock Careers Mentoring Programme

Babcock is a leading provider of critical complex engineering services across four key sectors: marine, nuclear, land and aviation. Participants in this programme benefit from one-to-one mentoring sessions and a mock assessment centre.
Babcock Mentoring Programme
 
 
 
 

Delivering on the UK’s defence and security priorities


The UK's 2025 Strategic Defence Review sets out a vision to make Britain safer, secure at home and strong abroad. Through its military connections, and place at the heart of a city steeped in naval history, the °µÍø½âÃÜ is delivering on that vision and much more.
Aerial view of °µÍø½âÃÜ Sound