South West Nuclear Hub academic members have been awarded major UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Doctoral Focal Awards, unlocking multi‑million‑pound programmes designed to train the next generation of nuclear specialists. As part of the UK’s Nuclear Skills Plan, these programmes will collectively train 500 doctoral graduates, directly addressing the UK’s long‑term nuclear skills gap.
The awards are co‑funded by UKRI, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the UK Ministry of Defence, with a total investment of £65.6 million, matched by significant industry contributions.
South West Success: Bangor University and the University of Bristol
We are delighted to congratulate two Hub academic members for their leadership roles in these national programmes:
Bangor University will lead PANDA (Programme for Accelerating Nuclear Development and Applications), a major doctoral training initiative focused on advanced nuclear science, engineering, and applications. Bangor will also collaborate on DRIVERS and SATURN II, strengthening its role across the UK’s nuclear research landscape.
The University of Bristol will play a central role in DRIVERS (Developing Researchers with an Interdisciplinary Vision for Engineering Reactor Systems), led by Imperial College London, and will also contribute to PANDA. Bristol’s involvement reinforces the South West’s position as a powerhouse for nuclear research, innovation, and skills development.
What These Programmes Deliver:
• 500 doctoral graduates trained in high‑level nuclear science, engineering, and professional skills
• £65.6 million in government co‑funding, with matched industry investment
• Recruitment now open, with programmes starting later this year
• International collaboration opportunities, including new partnerships with global nuclear institutions
• Graduates equipped to integrate quickly into the civil and defence nuclear sectors
A Strategic Boost for the UK’s Nuclear Ambitions
SWNH Co‑Director and Bristol lead for DRIVERS, Professor Chris Truman, welcomed the announcement:
These awards represent a major step forward for the UK’s nuclear capability and a significant milestone for the South West’s academic and industrial ecosystem.
Find out more
For programme details, partner links, and updates, visit the SWNH website:
https://lnkd.in/e4mMrE4w