United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory

We are very happy that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has today published its Strategic Review of the role of NNL. With this Review in place, our mission is clearer than ever and we welcome the future it promises: enabling and delivering nuclear outcomes for Government, and supporting the growth of the entire UK nuclear sector. Now, as the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL), we will become even more closely aligned to national priorities so that we can serve UK Government and, by extension, UK society, across all relevant areas of policy more easily and more efficiently. Work has already begun on implementing the recommendations of the Review and we look forward to engaging with all our colleagues, customers, partners, suppliers and wider stakeholders as we do so. We will be treating this Review – and our clear mission – with the importance it demands and doing everything we can to turn its aspirations into reality. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eTDe2cNW

We welcome the ambitious Clean Power Action Plan announced today, which recognises nuclear power as a crucial component of Britain's clean energy future. As the UK's national laboratory for nuclear fission, we're working towards this transformative vision for clean, reliable power by 2030. Nuclear energy will play a vital role in providing the power needed for a stable, secure energy system - working alongside renewables to protect households from volatile energy markets and support our energy independence. This plan represents a significant commitment to building the infrastructure and expertise needed for our clean energy future. We look forward to continuing our work in advancing nuclear innovation and supporting the skilled jobs and economic growth this transition will bring across the UK.

All it takes is perfectly spherical droplets, a miniscule amount to make the most robust nuclear fuel on Earth. And years of expertise. 🌍 Visitors to the Nuclear 2024 conference, the annual nuclear conference held by the Nuclear Industry Association, were given front row seats to see our cutting-edge scientists Michell Moore and Olivia Baldwin ‘make’ Coated Particle Fuel on our exhibition stand, demonstrating how they create fuel in our Preston laboratories that will be used in the next generation of nuclear reactors. Each tiny kernel, the size of a poppy seed, contains enough energy to power eight kettles. 🫖 They were joined by Robert Alford on National Nuclear Laboratory’s stand, where we also demonstrated a 3D model of the High Temperature Gas Reactor that will use this revolutionary fuel in the future, creating heat to decarbonise industries in the future. We also showcased Safer Stores, a first of a kind for nuclear that will automate the removal and onward transportation of Special Nuclear Material packages at Sellafield, saving taxpayer money. Elsewhere at Nuclear 2024, Fuels Subject Matters Expert Dave Goddard participated in a panel discussion on Breaking Russia's Grip: UK Fuel Investment for Allied Energy Security. 

🚀 Your future starts here: NNL Apprenticeships applications are now open!   Join an industry that's literally changing the world. Our apprenticeships aren't just jobs – they're your chance to: ✨ Help achieve the UK's net zero goals 🌍 Play your part in powering tomorrow's Britain 💡 Work with cutting-edge technology 💪 Build skills that'll set you apart   From hands-on engineering and scientific roles to business services and project management – we've got opportunities to suit different interests and talents. Whether you're practically minded, analytically driven, or business focused, there's a path for you.   With opportunities across Sellafield, Workington, Preston and Warrington, you could start building an exciting career in one of the UK's most dynamic industries.   Ready to make your mark? Check out our opportunities here: https://lnkd.in/eS-9ibcV   #FutureOfEnergy #ApprenticeshipJobs #NuclearCareers #CleanEnergy #CareerGoals

As the UK's national laboratory for nuclear fission, we welcome this announcement extending the operational life of four nuclear power stations - Torness, Heysham 1, Heysham 2, and Hartlepool. This significant decision will help maintain vital low-carbon electricity generation for millions of UK homes, supporting energy security during the transition to new nuclear capacity. The £1.3bn investment commitment demonstrates confidence in our national nuclear capabilities. We're particularly encouraged by the commitment to regular safety inspections. This approach aligns with our mission to support safe, sustainable nuclear energy for the UK. Looking ahead, these extensions will help bridge the gap until new generation nuclear power comes online, while preserving crucial skills and expertise within our sector. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ewFXYkgJ  #NuclearEnergy #EnergySecurity #NetZero #UKEnergy Image credit: EDF

We were delighted to see our Chief Executive Paul Howarth CBE formally awarded his CBE by HRH Princess Anne at Windsor Castle . Paul’s leadership at NNL for 14 years and his contribution to our industry have been instrumental in putting nuclear back on the map. A prestigious Royal Society Fellowship to work on Japan’s nuclear programme, co-founding the Dalton Nuclear Institute, and establishing NNL as a leading nuclear organisation are highlights of Paul’s distinguished career that will culminate in his retirement from NNL next year. Read more below: https://lnkd.in/eV8J8GsX Image credit: PA

🌍 On World Nuclear Energy Day, we're proud to showcase how we're revolutionising nuclear power.     Our scientists are researching and developing coated particle fuel - where a single kernel the size of a poppy seed can boil 8 kettles. ☕️     This is the future of clean energy in action, as Alex Iszatt saw when she visited our Preston laboratory.    🔬 From ground-breaking safety features to exceptional energy efficiency, we're writing the next chapter in nuclear innovation.    Read more about our world-leading research and watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/ecw35H4H   #WorldNuclearEnergyDay #CleanEnergy #Innovation #NuclearScience

We’re delighted to see our Head of Fellowship, Dr Deborah Hill, nominated as a candidate in 2025 for the position of Non-U.S. Board of Director on the American Nuclear Society. It’s great to see the work of NNL’s world-leading nuclear scientists recognised across the globe. Deb’s expertise in criticality safety is vital in demonstrating the safety of nuclear power to wider society. Her international leadership in this area recently saw her become an ANS Fellow. Read more about that here - https://lnkd.in/esRuHZ5u  NNL is fortunate to benefit from Deb’s decades of experience in the nuclear industry and we know that the ANS Board of Directors would benefit greatly from her expertise and leadership. 

We have some fantastic role models in NNL who are supporting Movember by sporting moustaches for the month of November. They are raising awareness of men’s mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.      Movember is particularly poignant time of year for us - as we are working towards novel treatments for cancer - that could be used to treat prostate cancer in the future. NNL is now able to extract an isotope of lead, specifically lead-212 from stored material. This can be used by one of our academic partners, Barts Cancer Institute (Queen Mary University of London) in its research into the future of radiotherapy at the molecular level. It is called targeted alpha therapy and can be used to destroy cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.      Professor Tim Tinsley, National Nuclear Laboratory said: "The promise of innovative new approaches for treating prostate and other cancers is an exciting area for NNL to apply its nuclear and radiochemistry experience. I'm delighted to be supporting this research and to work with researchers at Queen Mary University of London."      Professor Jane Sosabowski, Queen Mary’s Barts Cancer Institute adds: “Movember is a thought provoking and positive campaign, a good time to reflect on how much we value our collaboration with NNL and Radionuclides for Health UK on using radionuclides from nuclear waste to make exciting new targeted alpha therapies for prostate and other cancers available to UK patients in the future.”      If you want to support the Movember charity or find out about the 1320 men’s health projects they have delivered globally, click the link below. https://uk.movember.com/  

Megan has had an amazing first year on NNL's Graduate Programme. From visiting nuclear sites and gaining hands-on experience, to planning conferences and developing a sustainability-themed app, Megan is making a real impact. She's also been engaging with the future of the industry, helping out at events like New Scientist Live and inspiring others to explore the exciting world of nuclear. Megan's story is a fantastic example of how our graduates can dive into a diverse range of projects and help shape the future of the industry. ⏰ Applications for our 2024 Graduate Programme close on 1st December - don't miss out on your chance to join NNL! Explore the possibilities below 👇 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d925sg_z #GraduateOpportunities #CareersWithImpact #NNL #NetZero #NuclearScience