EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Nuclear Fission- Next Generation Nuclear

Completed

Nuclear Fission and Fusion(Nuclear Fission, Other nuclear fission)
Nuclear Fission and Fusion(Nuclear Fission)

Training

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Civil Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Policy and regulation)

Professor F Livens
Chemistry
University of Manchester

Standard

EPSRC

01 April 2014

31 March 2023

108 months

£5,221,463

Energy

North West

Energy : Energy

Professor F Livens, Chemistry, University of Manchester

Professor C Boxall, Engineering, Lancaster University
Professor BC Hanson, Inst of Particle Science & Engineering, University of Leeds
Dr SL Heath, Chemistry, University of Manchester
Dr NC Hyatt, Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield
Professor EA Patterson, Engineering, University of Liverpool

In UK Energy strategy, nuclear fission is growing rapidly in significance. Government's recent Nuclear Industrial Strategy states clearly that the UK should retain the option to deploy a range of nuclear fission technologies in the decades ahead, and that it should underpin the skill base to do so. The primary aim of Next Generation Nuclear is to provide high quality research training in the science and engineering underpinning nuclear fission technology, focused particularly on developing a multi-scale (from molecular to macroscopic), multi-disciplined understanding of key processes and systems. Nuclear fission research underpins strategic UK priorities, including the safe management of the historic nuclear legacy, securing future low carbon energy resources, and supporting UK defence and security policies. It has become clear that skills are very likely to limit the UK's nuclear capacity, with over half of the civil nuclear workforce and 70% of Subject Matter Experts due to retire by 2025. High level R&D skills are therefore on the critical path for all the UK's nuclear ambitions and, because of the 10-15 year lead time needed to address this shortage, urgent action is needed now. Next Generation Nuclear is a collaborative CDT involving the Universities of Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield, which aims to develop the next generation of nuclear research leaders and deliver underpinning (Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1-3), long term science and engineering to meet the national priorities identified in Government's Nuclear Industrial Vision. Its scope complements the Nuclear IDC (TRL 4-6), with both Centres aiming to work together and exploit potential synergies. In collaboration with key nuclear industry partners, Next Generation Nuclear will build on the very successful Nuclear First programme to deliver a high quality training programme tailored to student needs; high profile, high impact outreach; and adventurous doctoral research which underpins real industry challenges

12/03/14