Swansea University joins £65.6m UKRI programme to train nuclear specialists

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Swansea University is set to play a central role in a £65.6 million national programme aimed at developing the next generation of nuclear engineers and scientists, as part of a major investment by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The initiative, known as DRIVERS, will see academics from Swansea’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences help train more than 80 PhD researchers over the next seven years.

The programme will focus on key disciplines including reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and through-life structural integrity.

DRIVERS is being delivered through a consortium of leading universities, including Imperial College London, Bangor University, University of Bristol, University of Manchester and Swansea University.

The doctoral training centre is designed to equip researchers with the advanced technical, interdisciplinary and digital capabilities required to support both civil and defence nuclear programmes.

The investment comes amid growing demand for nuclear expertise as the UK looks to expand its clean energy capacity, strengthen national security and advance next-generation technologies such as small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors.

The programme will train researchers in the integrated design and assessment of nuclear systems, with the aim of improving safety, performance and cost efficiency.

Alongside technical training, the initiative will place a strong emphasis on leadership, communication skills, digital fluency and equality, diversity and inclusion, areas seen as critical to sustaining a competitive and innovative nuclear sector over the long term.

Robert Lancaster, Chair in Materials Science at Swansea University and co-director of the programme, said: “We are delighted that Swansea University is part of DRIVERS, a major investment in developing the next generation of nuclear talent.

“Through this programme, we will help train doctoral researchers with the technical, interdisciplinary and leadership skills needed to support the UK’s future nuclear capability in energy and defence.”

Programme director Robin Grimes added: “DRIVERS represents a major strategic national investment in the UK’s nuclear capability and will play a key role in developing the expertise required to deliver the country’s long-term civil and defence nuclear ambitions.”